Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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 6.0)

Numerous people insist that primary schools often focus on academic testing and strict schedules. It is important for children to perform physical activities as well as learn in primary schools. I agree with this extent for some reasons and i would discuss those reasons in th following paragraphs.

Every activity had their own grounds, there are some purpose for this statement. First and foremost, formal learning can improve children foundational skills. Structured lessons teaches children how to read, write and do basic math. Scedules in schooling can also make a child punctual and disciplined. In addition, regulas classes helps children to build good habits, follow rules and resoect authorities. Children can learn how to behave with elders and an outsider. Moreover, academic training prepare child in advance for harder subjects in higher classes.

In the classroom, the conventional approach of lectures and assigned tasks may be effective for transmitting theoretical knowledge, but it often fails to engage young learners. Conversely, incorporating games and interactive activities into the learning process can significantly enhance comprehension and retention. For example, using word-based games to teach vocabulary can transform a monotonous lesson into an engaging and enjoyable experience, thereby fostering a lifelong love for learning. Moreover, play, whether indoors or outdoors, is instrumental in developing essential skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, cultural awareness, and discipline. These competencies are not only vital for academic success but also for personal growth and social integration.

In conclusion, while formal education undeniably provides a foundation for academic knowledge, primary schools must strike a balance by embedding play into the curriculum. It is imperative that children are given ample opportunities for recreational activities that complement classroom instruction. Educational policymakers and school authorities should recognize this need and take proactive measures to ensure a well-rounded education for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, successfully discussing the extent of agreement regarding formal learning and explaining why play is important. The position is clear throughout the essay. However, some ideas are more fully developed than others. For instance, the second paragraph lists several brief arguments about formal learning such as making a child 'punctual and disciplined' without fully extending or supporting them with deep explanations or examples. On the other hand, the third paragraph demonstrates stronger development when discussing how games enhance comprehension and retention, which bridges the gap toward a higher band. To achieve a higher score, every main idea introduced needs thorough extension and robust supporting examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, moving from the benefits of formal learning to the role of play in the classroom. However, cohesion at times feels mechanical or faulty. Transition markers like 'Every activity had their own grounds' are awkward, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the pronoun shift in the opening paragraph ('i would discuss those reasons'). Paragraphing is used generally well to separate distinct arguments, but logical progression within the second paragraph is slightly disrupted by a series of disconnected, short assertions. To improve, cohesive devices should be used more flexibly and naturally without relying on rigid lists of simple sentences.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'transmitting theoretical knowledge', 'monotonous lesson', and 'social integration'. However, there are noticeable limitations and inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, including phrasing like 'Numerous people insist' instead of 'Many people argue', and subject-verb/pronoun errors like 'Every activity had their own grounds'. Spelling and word-form errors are also present, such as 'regulas' instead of 'regular', 'resoect' instead of 'respect', and 'prepare child' instead of 'prepare children'. These errors do not seriously impede communication, reflecting a solid foundation while highlighting the need for greater precision in lexical selection.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writing displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at varied structures through conditional and relative clauses like 'while formal education undeniably provides a foundation... primary schools must strike a balance'. However, there are several grammatical errors in subject-verb agreement and pluralisation, such as 'Structured lessons teaches' and 'regulas classes helps'. Additionally, lowercase 'i' appears in the introduction, and prepositions inside grammatical patterns occasionally falter. These errors occur alongside correct sentences and rarely impede communication, perfectly matching the profile of a response that contains some grammar errors but maintains general clarity throughout.

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