Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

It is often argued that primary education relies excessively on formal instruction, such as rigid curricula and standardized testing. I largely agree with this view, as overemphasizing academic drill can hinder holistic development. Furthermore, incorporating play alongside structured learning is crucial for a child's cognitive and social growth.

Many primary schools currently place disproportionate weight on academic performance, pressuring young children with seated lectures, repetitive exercises, and high-stakes assessments. This teacher-centered approach often suppresses curiosity and instills premature anxiety. At an age when children learn best through exploration, forcing them into rigid academic schedules can lead to disinterest in education and stifle their natural creative instincts.

Integrating play into the primary classroom is therefore of paramount importance. Play-based activities, such as educational games, group building projects, and role-playing, make complex concepts accessible and engaging. For instance, using counting blocks or interactive puzzles allows pupils to grasp abstract mathematical principles far more effectively than memorizing tables. Beyond academics, play fosters essential life skills, including problem-solving, communication, emotional resilience, and teamwork. When children collaborate during play, they learn to navigate social dynamics, negotiate rules, and manage frustration, which formal textbooks cannot teach.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that primary schools currently focus too heavily on formal instruction at the expense of experiential learning. Incorporating play into the daily classroom environment is essential, as it strikes a balance between academic achievement and essential social-emotional development, ensuring children remain enthusiastic and well-rounded learners.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student addresses both parts of the prompt effectively by discussing the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and explaining the importance of play in primary classrooms. A clear position is maintained throughout the text, and ideas are well-supported with relevant examples such as counting blocks and interactive puzzles. However, please note that the response contains 239 words, which fails to meet the minimum requirement of 250 words. Due to this under-length condition, the task achievement score is capped at Band 6.0 despite the strong content and clear development of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, beginning with a clear introduction, moving through well-structured body paragraphs, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without being overly mechanical, as seen in transitions like 'Furthermore', 'For instance', and 'Beyond academics'. Paragraphing is handled skillfully to separate the introduction, the critique of formal learning, the benefits of play, and the conclusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer employs a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an academic discussion, demonstrating flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used successfully, such as 'disproportionate weight', 'stifle their natural creative instincts', 'paramount importance', and 'social-emotional development'. Word choice and collocations are generally natural, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The vocabulary supports the analytical tone of the essay very well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures, successfully utilizing a wide variety of complex sentences. Examples include participial phrases and dependent clauses, such as 'At an age when children learn best through exploration, forcing them into rigid academic schedules can lead to disinterest...' and 'When children collaborate during play, they learn to navigate social dynamics...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of grammatical control.

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