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)

Nowadays, many cultures encourage children to work hard in order to achieve their goals. This approach has both advantages and disadvantages for children. This essay will discuss the positive and negative aspects of giving children the message that hard work is the key to success.

Firstly, there are several advantages to encouraging children to work hard. Children are more likely to develop a strong work ethic and make consistent efforts to achieve their goals. Some cultures teach children from an early age to work hard, which can become a habit and help them become determined and diligent individuals. As a result, teenagers may be more likely to follow the right path to achieve their goals instead of looking for shortcuts. Furthermore, developing a strong work ethic during childhood can prepare children for their future lives and help them perform better in their careers.

Secondly, there are also some disadvantages to teaching children that hard work is the only way to achieve success. If children focus only on working hard rather than working efficiently, they may fail to develop important skills and problem-solving abilities. They may also become less willing to use modern technology to improve their productivity. Moreover, excessive pressure to work hard can negatively affect children's mental well-being and cause unnecessary stress. Furthermore, hard work alone does not always guarantee success, as people also need creativity, intelligence and effective strategies to achieve their goals.

In conclusion, teaching children the value of hard work has several benefits, such as developing discipline and determination. However, hard work alone is not sufficient for success. Children should also be encouraged to develop smart working habits, problem-solving skills and the ability to use modern technology effectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the advantages and disadvantages of telling children they can achieve anything through hard work. The position is clear throughout the essay, starting with an appropriate introduction and concluding with a balanced summary. Ideas are extended and supported, such as explaining how a strong work ethic develops into a habit and how excessive pressure can negatively affect mental well-being. Although some points could be explored with even greater depth, the response fully satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.0 by covering both sides of the prompt logically and thoroughly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, disadvantages, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the text is easy to follow. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. While the cohesive mechanisms are somewhat standard rather than highly sophisticated, they are managed well enough to meet the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, employing terms like 'work ethic', 'diligent individuals', 'productivity', and 'mental well-being'. There are also successful attempts to use less common items with an awareness of collocation, such as 'excessive pressure' and 'unnecessary stress'. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, with only rare slips. The vocabulary deployed is adequate for discussing abstract concepts related to child development and success, supporting a solid Band 7.0 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and subordinate clauses such as 'If children focus only on working hard rather than working efficiently, they may fail to develop important skills'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are under good control. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard rather than fully wide-ranging, the occasional minor imperfections do not impede communication. This performance aligns comfortably with the criteria for Band 7.

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