Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-07

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)

Some people believe that the time spent on learning facts from schools to universities is more than learning practical skills. I think that theoretical knowledge is also crucial as much as practical.

learning facts and background is necessary for the foundation of primary knowledge as the students get to know about details. Subjects such as Maths and History cannot be understood until the student has some basic knowledge. Additionally, the facts are accessible, one can search it over internet or keep the notes or books with themselves. However, for practical learning the individual has to attend in person and it can be learn only through practice.

On the other side, practical learning gives a wider range to the learner to explore more in that subject or field. They can perform the learning and practice it which ultimately help them in personal and professional life. For instance reading English does not ensure that the person can be a good speaker. However, speaking English on regular basis and doing conversation in English would eventually help the student.

In my opinion there should be a balance between the both learnings. At initial stage of learning, understanding the facts is essential as it act like a foundation to learn something new. Whereas, practical learning become a necessity after a student starts to visualise and develop the power to do reasoning and critical thinking.

In conclusion, practical and theoretical knowledge holds a significant role in an individual life. Though one type of learning could not be underestimated as both are necessary for the overall development of learners.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the prompt by discussing the balance between theoretical and practical education. You have a clear position, and the ideas are relevant. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For example, while you mention that Maths and History require basic knowledge, you could have expanded on how this foundation specifically facilitates later practical application. The argument is consistent, but the supporting examples, such as the English language example, are a bit brief. To reach a higher band, ensure that each paragraph provides a more thorough exploration of the 'why' and 'how' behind your claims, rather than just stating them.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each with a distinct focus. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Additionally', 'On the other side', and 'In conclusion', to guide the reader. However, the use of these devices is sometimes a bit mechanical or repetitive. The transition between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother to better highlight the contrast between the two viewpoints. Furthermore, some sentences within paragraphs feel slightly disconnected, which affects the overall flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence builds directly upon the previous one will enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. You use terms like 'theoretical knowledge', 'foundation', and 'critical thinking' appropriately. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'attend in person' (should be 'attend classes in person') and 'it can be learn' (should be 'it can be learned'). The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'as much as practical' (should be 'as much as practical skills'), 'it act like a foundation' (should be 'it acts like a foundation'), and 'practical learning become a necessity' (should be 'becomes'). Additionally, there are some issues with article usage and verb forms. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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