Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-26

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)

It is often argued that parents should encourage their children to participate in organised group activities during their free time, while others believe that children should learn to entertain themselves independently. Although both approaches have clear advantages, I believe that a balance between the two is the most beneficial.

On the one hand, organised activities can help children develop important social and practical skills. Taking part in sports teams, music groups or clubs teaches young people how to cooperate with others, follow rules and communicate effectively. Such activities can also improve children's physical and mental health, particularly when they involve exercise. For example, a child who regularly plays football with a local team may become more confident and learn how to work towards a common goal with teammates. In addition, structured activities can help children develop discipline and learn how to manage their time.

On the other hand, children also need opportunities to occupy themselves without constant supervision or organised entertainment. Independent play can encourage creativity, imagination and problem-solving skills. When children decide for themselves how to spend their free time, they learn to make choices and become more self-reliant. For instance, a child who spends an afternoon building something with toys, reading a book or creating a drawing has to decide what to do and how to overcome difficulties without depending on an instructor or teammates. These skills can be valuable later in life.

In my opinion, parents should provide opportunities for both types of activities. While organised groups are particularly useful for developing social skills, children should not have every moment of their free time planned by adults. Allowing them some unstructured time gives them the freedom to explore their interests and develop independence.

In conclusion, organised group activities can teach children cooperation, discipline and social skills, whereas independent activities can foster creativity and self-reliance. Therefore, I believe parents should encourage both, rather than relying exclusively on either approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the benefits of organised activities and the value of independent play—and provided a clear personal opinion that advocates for a balanced approach. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as 'playing football' and 'building something with toys' to support your arguments. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements.

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, using effective linking phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately throughout the text. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. There is a good balance of ideas, and the flow of the essay is easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases like 'constant supervision', 'self-reliant', and 'foster creativity' demonstrate a good command of language. The vocabulary is appropriate for the context of the task. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the score further. However, the current usage is accurate and natural, with no errors that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and relative clauses (e.g., 'a child who regularly plays football...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. You have demonstrated a strong control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement, which contributes to the overall professional tone of the writing.

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