Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-13

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 6.5)

While a number of individuals believe that parents should motivate their children to participate in organised group activities in their spare time, others argue that it is crucial for children to learn how to engage themselves independently. Although both viewpoints have merit, I believe that group activities can not only enhance children's communication skills but also boost their confidence.

On the one hand, proponents are of the opinion that parents should support their children in group activities. The key reason is that young people should utilise their spare time to learn to interact with team members. This may, in turn, develop both their communication skills and confidence. For instance, in the USA, a large number of parents encourage their parents' to participate in sports and debate competitions at school. If children take part in such competitions, they will learn how to respect other's opinions. Consequently, participating in organised group activities in their free time can develop children's communication skills.

Conversely, opponents contend that it is essential for children to learn how to use their spare time to keep themselves occupied. One significant reason is that engaging their mind in doing something they enjoy is the main priority. To illustrate, many children in India, learn how to spend their weekends to focus on arts and music apart from their academics. This is largely because spending time with their hobbies allows them to be creative and learn at their own pace. Although it is important for children to learn how to occupy their time wisely, it is necessary for parents to monitor how their children are spending their spare time.

In conclusion, a segment of the population believes that it is crucial for children to learn how to occupy their free time, whereas others consider it the parents' encouragement which will make their children to participate in group activities. From my perspective, participating in collaboration can facilitate effective communication and self-confidence.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—organised group activities and independent play—and clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning sports and debate competitions in the USA and arts and music in India. The position remains clear and consistent throughout the essay. The arguments for both sides are logically extended, demonstrating a solid understanding of the prompt's requirements, which aligns closely with the Band 7 level descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, with appropriate transitional phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'Conversely', and 'In conclusion' used to guide the reader. Cohesive devices are used effectively, although there is a slight mechanical feel in some of the referencing and concluding sentences of the body paragraphs. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, two body paragraphs, and the conclusion cleanly. The overall structure supports the flow of ideas well, meeting the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, employing less common items such as 'proponents', 'opponents', 'collaborate', and 'facilitate effective communication'. There is an awareness of style and collocation, although minor inaccuracies occasionally appear, such as the awkward phrase 'encourage their parents' participation' instead of children's participation in the second paragraph. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, and vocabulary does not impede communication. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response utilises a variety of complex structures, including conditional sentences ('If children take part...') and concessive clauses ('Although both viewpoints have merit...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is well controlled. However, a few minor errors persist, such as the redundant preposition in 'make their children to participate' in the final paragraph. Despite this minor slip, the majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, showing good command of grammatical range and accuracy consistent with a Band 7 score.

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