Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-19

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 6.0)

In some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard. This message can motivate children to become confident and hardworking. However, it can also create unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

One major advantage is that this message encourages children to work hard. When children believe that their efforts can help them succeed, they may study harder and not give up easily. For example, a student who wants to become a doctor may continue studying even when some subjects are difficult. This can help children develop determination and a positive attitude towards challenges.

Another benefit is that it can increase children's confidence. They may believe in their abilities and be more willing to try new things. This confidence can be useful in education, sports and future

On the other hand, telling children that they can achieve anything may give them unrealistic expectations. In reality, success also depends on factors such as natural ability, opportunities, money and circumstances. For example, a child may work very hard to become a professional athlete but may not have the physical ability required for that career.

Another disadvantage is that children may blame themselves when they fail. If they have always been told that hard work is enough, they may think that failure means they did not try hard enough. This can cause stress and reduce their

In conclusion, telling children that they can achieve anything can make them hardworking, confident and determined. However, parents should also teach them that success depends on many factors and that failure is a normal part of life.

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. A clear position is maintained throughout, and the main ideas—such as motivating hard work, increasing confidence, creating unrealistic expectations, and self-blame—are suitably extended and supported with relevant examples like the medical student and the professional athlete. Although the conclusion briefly summarises the main points, the ideas are sufficiently developed to meet the requirements of Band 7. The writer successfully addresses the prompt in an organised and relevant manner without wandering off-topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured using standard paragraphing principles, with a distinct introduction, body paragraphs addressing advantages and disadvantages separately, and a clear conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'Another benefit', 'On the other hand', and 'Another disadvantage' are used appropriately to signal transitions between ideas. Referencing is generally clear, and paragraphing is managed sufficiently, warranting a solid Band 7 rating for this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision with phrases like 'unrealistic expectations', 'determination', 'positive attitude towards challenges', and 'natural ability'. There are attempts to use less common items with general awareness of style and collocation, although some sentences trail off slightly or lack complete lexical extension, such as 'This confidence can be useful in education, sports and future' (where a noun like 'endeavours' is missing). Spelling and word-choice errors are occasional and do not impede communication, matching the descriptors for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over punctuation and basic grammar, and many sentences are error-free, such as 'When children believe that their efforts can help them succeed, they may study harder and not give up easily.' Complex forms are attempted with reasonable success, though there are minor omissions or awkward phrasings at the end of some sentences (e.g., 'and reduce their' is left incomplete in the fifth paragraph). These minor slips do not impede communication, placing the writing firmly at Band 6.5.

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