Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-22

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that in all levels of education, from primary schools to universities, too much time is spent on learning facts and not enough on learning practical skills.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 6.0)

In the contemporary era, many individuals say that the schooling to university education system wastes students' time by teaching them theoretical knowledge rather than providing enough practical skills. However, looking at the given statement, I partially agree with some people. In this essay, we will discuss both the agree and disagree sides with relevant examples.

To commence, undoubtedly, the education system is mostly based on theoretical knowledge and examinations, because all the subjects are based on facts that are considered as mostly in the form of data and research. Moreover, many universities and schools are not affords the costs of required instruments and equipment to provide practical training, mostly in developing countries. For example, many publicly funded universities in small towns can only teach theories and data because they can not afford the practical environment in their buildings just because of low tuition fees.

Nevertheless, numerous subjects have practical data and theories, such as maths, medical subjects, and other practical subjects. Therefore, we should require an essential amount of that kind of knowledge always asked for in the workplace. Other job positions we required theoretical skills: communication skills, accounting, and various subjective information. For instance, for certain job postions like administration and human reseource need theories.

To summarize, I restate that schools and universities often teach factual data, which is because of our traditional education system and low budgets to afford practical teaching. Whereas, I also think in fields like maths and medicine, such as pharmacy, we require theoretical knowledge the most.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing both sides of the argument, but the development of ideas is limited. While you state you 'partially agree,' the supporting arguments are somewhat superficial. For example, the point about schools not being able to 'afford the costs of required instruments' is a relevant observation, but it is not fully linked to the broader debate about the balance of facts versus skills. The conclusion is a bit repetitive and does not fully synthesize the arguments presented. To improve, ensure each paragraph provides a clear, well-supported reason that directly answers the 'why' behind your position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'To commence,' 'Moreover,' and 'Nevertheless' to link your points. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the transition between the discussion of theoretical knowledge and the specific examples of job positions is somewhat abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence builds logically upon the previous one will help you achieve a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'contemporary era,' 'theoretical knowledge,' and 'practical training.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'not affords the costs' (should be 'cannot afford the costs') and 'various subjective information.' Additionally, there is some repetition of words like 'practical' and 'theories.' To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and ensure that your word forms are grammatically correct within the context of the sentence.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'many universities and schools are not affords' and 'Other job positions we required theoretical skills.' These errors, while not impeding communication, are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive versus active voice. Proofreading for small errors like missing articles or incorrect verb tenses will significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.