Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning.

To what extent do you agree with this opinion?

How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

It is often claimed that primary schools place too much emphasis on formal instruction at the expense of other experiences. I largely agree with this view, although I believe formal learning still has an essential place in the classroom.

On the one hand, an overly structured curriculum can be counterproductive for young children. At this age, pupils have limited attention spans, and long periods of sitting at desks and completing worksheets can lead to boredom and even resentment towards school. Play, by contrast, allows children to explore ideas at their own pace. For example, building with blocks teaches basic geometry, while role-play games develop vocabulary and confidence in speaking. Moreover, play is where children learn to negotiate, share and resolve conflicts, social skills that no textbook can teach effectively.

On the other hand, it would be unwise to abandon formal learning altogether. Literacy and numeracy are the foundation of all later education, and these skills generally require systematic, guided teaching. Children who miss this grounding may struggle throughout secondary school. Formal lessons also teach discipline and routine, which prepare pupils for the demands of later life.

Therefore, the most effective approach is a balance in which play is treated as a method of learning rather than a break from it. Teachers can, for instance, turn grammar into a word game or teach fractions by dividing food into portions. In my view, play is just as important as formal study in primary education, because it makes children want to learn, and motivated children learn more.

In conclusion, primary schools should reduce their reliance on formal instruction and give play a central role, while keeping enough structure to secure core academic skills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer presents a clear position throughout, agreeing largely with the view that formal learning is overemphasized while acknowledging its necessary place, and effectively discusses both the importance of play and the role of formal instruction. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant examples, such as building with blocks to teach basic geometry and turning grammar into a word game. The response meets all task requirements with a well-developed argument, demonstrating the qualities of a Band 8 performance under the Task Achievement criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked, with effective transition phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. Cohesive devices are managed well without being overly mechanical, and referencing (such as 'these skills' and 'this grounding') is clear and precise throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task. Less common lexical items are used effectively with a strong awareness of style and collocation, such as 'overly structured curriculum', 'counterproductive', 'systematic, guided teaching', and 'reduce their reliance'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are virtually no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, easily satisfying the requirements for a Band 7 with strong elements leaning towards Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer employs a wide range of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-controlled conditional and subordinate clauses such as 'At this age, pupils have limited attention spans, and long periods of sitting at desks... can lead to boredom' and 'Children who miss this grounding may struggle throughout secondary school.' Punctuation and grammatical control are consistently strong throughout, warranting a high band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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