Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-08

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that parents should encourage their children to take part in organised group activities in their free time. Others say that it is important for children to learn how to occupy themselves on their own.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Some people believe that parents should encourage their children to participate in organised group activities during their free time, while others argue that children should learn how to entertain themselves independently. Although group activities can provide valuable social skills, I believe that children should have a balance of both social and independent activities.

On the one hand, taking part in organised activities can be highly beneficial for children. Sports teams, music groups, and school clubs give young people opportunities to interact with others and develop important interpersonal skills. For example, a child who regularly plays football with a team can learn how to cooperate, communicate effectively, and deal with both success and failure. Furthermore, group activities can encourage children to become more confident and disciplined because they have to follow rules and work towards common goals.

On the other hand, learning to occupy oneself is also an important part of a child’s development. When children spend some of their free time alone, they have the opportunity to develop independence and creativity. For instance, a child who reads books, draws pictures, builds things, or simply decides how to spend their afternoon can learn to make decisions without constantly relying on parents or friends. This ability to entertain themselves can also be useful later in life, when they are expected to manage their own time and responsibilities.

In my opinion, neither approach should be considered superior in every situation. Children need social interaction to develop communication and teamwork skills, but they also need enough freedom to explore their own interests. Therefore, parents should encourage their children to participate in organised activities while also allowing them regular periods of unstructured free time. For example, a child could attend a swimming class twice a week but spend the remaining afternoons choosing their own hobbies.

In conclusion, organised group activities can help children develop valuable social and practical skills, whereas independent activities can foster creativity and self-reliance. I believe that providing a healthy balance between the two is the most effective way to support a child’s overall development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of organised group activities and the importance of independent play—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of football for social skills and reading or drawing for individual creativity. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The structure is logical, and the content is directly relevant to the task requirements, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases such as 'interpersonal skills', 'foster creativity', and 'self-reliance' show a level of sophistication beyond basic vocabulary. The word choice is generally accurate and natural, contributing to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be further elevated by incorporating more nuanced collocations or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. You demonstrate good control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The variety of sentence structures used—such as the use of 'Although' clauses and participial phrases—indicates a strong command of English grammar, consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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