Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

Primary schools, in the contemporary educational landscape, mainly focus on the formal learning without paying attention to the informal learning practices. While some people agree with this practice, I believe that primary schools should also polish the other abilities of a student by involving them in the different classroom activities and games.

The first and foremost reason why I disagree with this statement is that the students become dull and bored at their classrooms if they are not entertained. For example, if a teacher focuses only on the study subjects, childeren find it difficult to understand the basic concepts and ideas. But on the other hand, if a tutor uses informal learning methods like guiding students through practical games and activities, they have a better chance of uderstanding things in a proper way. Moreover, focusing only on the formal learning may create a fear of learning something new as it puts significant amount of pressure on a student's brain. Therefore, both formal and informal learning should go simultaneously.

Apart from this, children should also involve themselves in diferent kind of physical activities at homes as well as at their schools. But this practice does not mean that they should ignore their study as it can put their future on risk. The most viable approach is to create a balance between physical activities and learning. By implementing this approach, children can schedule their timetables accodingly.

In conclusion, although the formal learning is very important for the children, the fact that informal learning practices are equally important can not be denied. These two learnings when implemented simultaneously can create a balance in a student's life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

Your position is clear: you disagree that primary schools should concentrate only on formal learning, and you explain that play and practical activities can support understanding and reduce pressure. This addresses both the question of formal learning and the value of play. The example of a teacher using games is relevant, but it remains general; a specific classroom example would make the benefit more convincing. The second body paragraph shifts to physical activities at home and managing timetables, so it develops the importance of activity less directly in relation to play in the classroom. Explain more fully how classroom play supports children’s learning and development, and distinguish this from exercise outside school.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. Ideas generally progress from the drawbacks of formal-only teaching to the need for balance, and linking phrases such as “Moreover,” “Apart from this” and “In conclusion” help signal stages in the argument. However, some connections are mechanical or not fully logical. For example, the second paragraph moves from classroom learning to physical activities “at homes,” then to future risks and timetables, which weakens the focus and progression. The contrast introduced by “But on the other hand” is also awkwardly constructed. Keep each paragraph centred on one aspect of the question and use clearer references to connect examples to your main claim.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use an adequate range of vocabulary to discuss education, including “formal learning,” “practical games and activities,” “significant amount of pressure” and “create a balance.” There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “contemporary educational landscape” and “the most viable approach.” However, some choices are unnatural or imprecise, including “polish the other abilities,” “these two learnings” and “put their future on risk.” Spelling errors such as “childeren,” “uderstanding,” “diferent” and “accodingly” also reduce accuracy. Aim for natural collocations and precise terms rather than elevated wording that does not fit the meaning; proofreading would help make your vocabulary more reliable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a conditional example beginning “if a teacher focuses only on the study subjects” and a subordinate clause in “although the formal learning is very important.” Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, and the range is sufficient to express reasons and contrast. Some grammatical errors remain. For example, “children should also involve themselves” needs a more suitable verb construction, while “if they are not entertained” has an unclear reference to “they.” Articles and number are also inconsistent in phrases such as “the formal learning” and “a student's brain.” These issues rarely prevent understanding, but greater control of sentence patterns, articles and clear pronoun reference would make the argument more polished.

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