Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-17

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

Student answer (Band 6.5)

In many cultures, children are encouraged to believe that they accomplish anything as long as they work hard enough. Although this message can foster determination and self-confidence, it may also create unrealistic expectations about what effort alone can achieve

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One significant advantage of this belief is that it instils perseverance and a strong work ethic from an early age. Children who are taught that efforts leads to success are more likely to persist when they encounter difficulties rather than abandoning their goals. For example, a student who initially struggles with mathematics may continue practicing instead of concluding that they are simply incapable to learning it. Moreover, such encouragements can develop a growth mindset, enabling children to view mistakes as opportunities to improve. This can make them more resilient and willing to undertake challenging tasks.

However, there are notable disadvantages. The claim that hard work can guarantee any outcome may oversimplify the complex factors that influence success. Natural aptitude, financial circumstances, access to education, health and social opportunities can all effect what a person is able to achieve. Consequently, children who work extremely hard but fail to reach a particular goal may wrongly assume that they lack ability or have not tried sufficiently. This can lead to disappointment, frustration and diminished self-esteem. Furthermore, an excessive emphasis on achievement may encourage children to prioritize results their well-being .

In conclusion, telling children that they can achieve anything through hard work can be highly motivated because it promotes perseverance, confidence and resilience. Nevertheless, this message should be presented

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of telling children they can achieve anything. The position is clear throughout the essay, introducing both sides in the introduction and developing them in the body paragraphs. For instance, the advantage of instilling perseverance is supported with a clear example regarding a student struggling with mathematics. Similarly, the disadvantages are well-supported by highlighting external factors like financial circumstances and natural aptitude. The ideas are extended and supported effectively. However, the conclusion is incomplete, trailing off mid-sentence ('Nevertheless, this message should be presented...'), which prevents the position from being fully rounded off. Despite this minor truncation, the core task is well covered, aligning closely with a Band 7 performance where all parts are addressed and positions are clear.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked, utilizing appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'One significant advantage', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with distinct paragraphs dedicated to the introduction, advantages, disadvantages, and the conclusion. Referencing is generally clear, for example, using 'such encouragements' and 'this belief' to maintain thematic continuity. While the flow of ideas is logical and progression is maintained, the abrupt and unfinished conclusion detracts slightly from the overall structural unity. Nevertheless, the management of cohesion and logical sequencing across the body paragraphs comfortably supports a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for Band 7. Less common lexical items and collocations are used effectively, such as 'foster determination', 'instils perseverance', 'growth mindset', and 'diminished self-esteem'. There is an awareness of style appropriate for an academic essay. However, there are a few notable lexical errors and awkward collocations that prevent a higher band, such as 'accomplish anything' missing the modal verb 'can' ('children are encouraged to believe that they accomplish anything'), 'efforts leads' (subject-verb agreement/word form), and 'effect' used instead of the verb 'affect' ('can all effect what a person is able to achieve'). Additionally, there is a minor preposition slip with 'incapable to learning it' instead of 'incapable of learning it'. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, demonstrating a strong command of grammar. Examples of successful complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although this message can foster determination...') and relative clauses ('Children who are taught that...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is generally well managed. However, a few grammatical errors persist, including 'efforts leads to success' (plural noun with singular verb), 'incapable to learning' (incorrect preposition), 'can all effect' (confusing noun/verb forms), and a missing word/incomplete phrase in the final sentence ('results their well-being' instead of 'results over their well-being' or similar). Furthermore, the essay ends abruptly due to the incomplete conclusion. Despite these minor lapses, the majority of sentences are accurate and control over complex grammar is solid, warranting a Band 7.

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