Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-13

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 5.5)

In recent times, many people believe that compulsory educations focus too much on formal learning. I firmly disagree with this statement. In this essay, I will explain why primary schools education should be enjoybale, flexible and easier and it should rely on students ability; as students motivate to learn.

To begin with, there are several reasons behind the flexibility of primary level education. Firstly, it should be more enjoyable and attracting. To explain, if authority make a carriculum based on attracting and enjoyable acitivites, students get motivated and inspired to learning. For instance, a school where teach students based on their age and ability; as a result, students gain knowledge with enjoy. Therefore, it is clear that compulsory educations should focus on both formal and informal learning.

Another significant point is that primary schools education should rely on students ability to learn. In other words, learning strategies should be practical and easier as students does not fall their inspiration and they does not drop out from compulsory education. For example, in Bangladesh, there are some Arabic Madrasah mean islamic institutions where teach students based on memorization rather than understanding in real life experiences. Consequently, many students drop out from education in every single year. Thus, primary schools education should rely on students ability to learn.

To recapitulate, although primary school should focus on formal learning but I believe that it should rely on flexibility, enjoyable approach and students ability to understanding. Otherwise, students loss their interest on education that may never possible to return back.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You give a clear overall view by saying, “I firmly disagree,” and you recognise that primary education should combine formal and informal learning. However, the response only partly answers the two questions. It does not explain directly how much formal learning is excessive, and the importance of classroom play is implied through “enjoyable” activities rather than discussed explicitly. The points about flexibility, ability and motivation are relevant, but they are not developed with enough explanation or specific classroom examples. The Bangladesh example concerns memorisation and school dropout, but its connection to play in primary classrooms is not made clear. Address each question directly, then explain and support your reasons more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Paragraphs generally focus on one main point, and signposts such as “To begin with,” “Another significant point” and “To recapitulate” help readers follow the sequence. However, progression is limited because the two body paragraphs repeat the ideas of flexibility, enjoyment and students’ ability without clearly building an argument about play and formal learning. Some links are mechanical or unclear, particularly “For instance, a school where teach students…” and the connection between the Madrasah example and the main question. Use clearer topic sentences and explain how each example supports the specific point about balancing learning with play.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant education-related vocabulary, including “formal learning,” “flexibility,” “motivated,” “memorization” and “drop out.” However, the range is limited, and several inaccurate word choices or collocations make parts of the argument difficult to understand. Examples include “attracting” for activities that are engaging, “gain knowledge with enjoy,” and “students loss their interest.” Spelling errors such as “enjoybale,” “carriculum” and “acitivites” also reduce accuracy. Build a more precise vocabulary for classroom learning and play, and check spelling and word forms carefully. Replacing repeated general terms such as “easier” with specific descriptions would also help express your ideas more clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, using structures such as “if authority make a curriculum…” and “although primary school should focus…”. However, complex sentences are often faulty, and errors in agreement, verb forms, articles and sentence construction occur frequently. For example, “students does not fall their inspiration” and “they does not drop out” have incorrect subject–verb agreement and do not express the intended meaning clearly. “A school where teach students…” is an incomplete construction, while “primary schools education” lacks a clear grammatical relationship between the nouns. Practise building complete sentences with accurate subjects and verbs, and check agreement and articles before adding subordinate clauses.

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