Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-24

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 some cultures, children are often told that they can achieve anything if they work hard enough. This message can motivate children to work towards their goals, but it can also create unrealistic expectations. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this idea.

One major advantage is that this message can encourage children to become hardworking and determined. When children believe that effort can help them achieve their goals, they may be more willing to study, practise new skills and overcome difficulties. For example, a student who believes that hard work can improve their academic performance may spend more time preparing for exams instead of giving up after getting poor results. This can help children develop confidence and a positive attitude towards challenges.

However, there are also some disadvantages to giving children this message. Hard work does not always guarantee success because factors such as opportunities, financial circumstances, natural abilities and unexpected situations can affect the outcome. If children work very hard but still fail to achieve their goals, they may feel disappointed or believe that they are not good enough. Moreover, this message may make some children put too much pressure on themselves and ignore the importance of rest and balance.

In conclusion, telling children that they can achieve anything through hard work can encourage determination, confidence and a strong work ethic. However, children should also be taught that effort is important but does not guarantee every result, and that failure is a normal part of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully 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, beginning with a direct introduction and concluding with a balanced summary. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the student's mention of a student preparing for exams to illustrate increased determination and academic performance. The arguments regarding the disadvantages—such as unrealistic expectations, external factors like financial circumstances, and excessive self-pressure—are insightful and logically extended. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.0 by addressing all parts of the task with a clear position and extended, well-supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction, an advantage paragraph, a disadvantage paragraph, and a concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'One major advantage', 'However', 'For example', and 'Moreover', which help guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately and sufficiently to separate main ideas. The overall arrangement is coherent and easy to follow. The performance aligns strongly with Band 7 descriptors due to the clear logical progression and flexible management of cohesive devices.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision suitable for an academic task. Words and phrases like 'motivate', 'unrealistic expectations', 'financial circumstances', 'unexpected situations', and 'strong work ethic' demonstrate an adequate and appropriate range for the topic. There are also attempts at less common items, showing an awareness of style. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or wide-ranging enough for a Band 8, there are no noticeable errors in spelling, word choice, or collocation that impede communication. This easily satisfies the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simpler forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses, such as 'When children believe that effort can help them achieve their goals, they may be more willing to study...' and 'If children work very hard but still fail to achieve their goals, they may feel disappointed...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and there is good control of punctuation and grammar. Minor flaws are absent, and the grammatical control reflects a solid Band 7 level, featuring frequent error-free sentences and successful handling of complex syntax.

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