Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some areas of the US, a 'curfew' is imposed, in which teenagers are not allowed to be out of doors after a particular time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult.

What is your opinion about this?

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In some parts of the United States, teenagers are prohibited from going outside after a certain time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. Although some people consider this restriction excessive, I believe that a reasonable curfew can be beneficial because it can improve teenagers' safety and encourage responsible behaviour.

The main reason for imposing a curfew is to protect young people from potential dangers at night. Teenagers who stay outside late may be more likely to encounter unsafe situations, particularly in areas where crime rates are high or where there is limited adult supervision. By requiring young people to return home at a reasonable time, authorities can reduce their exposure to such risks. For example, a teenager travelling home alone late at night could be more vulnerable than someone who returns home earlier with a parent or another responsible adult.

Another advantage is that curfews can encourage teenagers to develop a more disciplined lifestyle. Getting home at a fixed time may help them maintain regular sleeping patterns and prevent them from spending excessive amounts of time outside with friends. This can be particularly important on school nights, when teenagers need sufficient sleep to concentrate effectively in class. Moreover, clear rules can help parents establish boundaries and teach their children about responsibility.

However, curfews should not be excessively strict. Older teenagers may need to stay out later for legitimate reasons, such as attending school events, working part-time or participating in sports. Therefore, exceptions should be made when young people have a valid reason and their parents are aware of their whereabouts.

In conclusion, I believe that reasonable curfews are a positive measure because they can protect teenagers from potential dangers and encourage responsible habits. Nevertheless, authorities should allow sensible exceptions rather than imposing unnecessarily strict restrictions on all young people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on safety and the second on personal discipline. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging the need for exceptions, which demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the prompt. The arguments are relevant and supported by logical reasoning, such as the mention of school nights and the need for sleep. The conclusion effectively summarises your position without introducing new information, meeting the requirements for a Band 8 performance.

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 use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'For example', 'Another advantage', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is consistent, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text, which is characteristic of a Band 8 response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'prohibited from', 'potential dangers', 'limited adult supervision', and 'legitimate reasons' show a level of precision and flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'good' or 'positive', you could incorporate more nuanced academic terminology. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Teenagers who stay outside late may be more likely to encounter...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. You use modals like 'should' and 'may' appropriately to express opinions and possibilities. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader, and the sentence variety keeps the writing engaging. This demonstrates a high level of grammatical control consistent with a Band 8 score.

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

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