Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
In recent years, formal learning has become a widely discussed issue. While some people consider that primary schools focus on formal learning, while some people think that academic learning is important for children education learning. This essay will discuss the main aspects of this issue about formal learning in primary school.
One major point to consider is that formal learning is important for future life. This is primarily because formal learning in writing, reading and others modules is very useful. Consequently, children who use formal wording in daily life will be helpful in difficult subjects. this clearly demonstrate that the formal learning is important for education.
On the other hand, playin is important in primary school it will relax and given a break to hectic routine. Playing can result in better communication and teamwork. For example children can learn how to work with teamwork. Therefore learning of formal learning can play a positive impact on human life and play a vital role in daily life. People think only formal language is helpful, just playing can make interest only in playing but in reality both are important for daily routine life.
In conclusion, primary school is helpful in every aspect of life. However I believe children should have proper balance between formal learning and playing. Playing provide fitness to people. playing can provide physically and mentally fit, while formal learning can provide basic knowledge and increase education. Overall, a balanced between playing and formal learning approach is essential to help children during school life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing the focus on formal learning and the importance of play in primary schools. However, the development of ideas is limited and sometimes repetitive, as seen when the writer states 'this clearly demonstrate that the formal learning is important for education' without substantial expansion. The position is generally clear, but the ideas tend to over-generalise and lack concrete examples of classroom practices or personal experiences. While all parts of the task are mentioned, the depth of exploration remains basic, fitting the descriptors for Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The essay is organised into four distinct paragraphs with a basic structure including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by repetitive phrasing and awkward transitions, such as 'Therefore learning of formal learning can play a positive impact'. Cohesive devices are sometimes inaccurate or mechanical ('On the other hand', 'In conclusion'), and referencing is unclear in places, such as pronoun use referring back to vague concepts. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion falls short of Band 6 standards.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The lexical range is limited and minimally adequate for discussing education and play. The student relies on repetitive vocabulary ('formal learning', 'important', 'daily routine life') and makes noticeable word-form and collocation errors, such as 'playin', 'others modules', and 'playing can provide physically and mentally fit'. These lexical inaccuracies and spelling slips cause some difficulty for the reader, though the overall topic remains discernible, placing the response firmly at Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty. There are numerous grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('playing is important in primary school it will relax and given a break'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing ('a balanced between playing and formal learning approach'). These frequent errors can cause difficulty for the reader and obscure meaning at times, aligning with the criteria for a Band 5.0 score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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