Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-16
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 to occupy themselves independently. Both views have advantages, but I believe that a balance between the two is the best approach.
On the one hand, organised group activities can provide children with important social and practical skills. When children participate in activities such as team sports, music groups, or clubs, they learn how to communicate and cooperate with others. They also develop qualities such as teamwork, responsibility and leadership. For example, a child who regularly plays football with a team learns how to follow rules, respect teammates and work towards a common goal. Furthermore, group activities can help children make friends and become more confident in social situations.
On the other hand, learning to spend time alone is also an important part of a child's development. When children are given the opportunity to occupy themselves, they can develop creativity, independence and problem-solving skills. For instance, a child who spends time reading, drawing, building with toys, or learning a new skill without parental supervision may become more self-reliant. In addition, children need some personal time to relax and think, rather than having every moment of their free time organised by adults.
In my opinion, parents should encourage both types of activities instead of choosing only one. Group activities are valuable for developing social skills, while independent activities help children become responsible and creative individuals. For example, parents could encourage their children to participate in a sports club two or three times a week while allowing them to decide how to spend the rest of their free time.
In conclusion, organised group activities can help children develop social and teamwork skills, whereas independent activities encourage creativity and self-reliance. Therefore, a healthy combination of both would provide children with the most balanced development.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of organised group activities and the value of independent play—and provided a clear personal opinion that advocates for a balance between the two. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as team sports for social skills and reading or drawing for individual development. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt without any irrelevant information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a personal opinion paragraph, and a conclusion. The referencing is clear throughout, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'cooperate', 'self-reliant', 'supervision', and 'balanced development'. The word choice is generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items. However, the current usage is precise and there are no errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'When children participate in activities such as team sports, music groups, or clubs, they learn how to communicate and cooperate with others.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over complex structures is consistent. The writing is clear and professional, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this task.
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