Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-17

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)

Here is a stronger **Band 7-style version** of your essay. I kept your main ideas but improved the grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and flow.

In the United States, the safety of children and teenagers is a growing concern. In some areas, curfews have been imposed, meaning that teenagers are not allowed to be outdoors after a certain time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. I believe that such restrictions can be beneficial because they can protect young people from danger and discourage them from developing harmful habits.

The main reason for imposing a curfew is to ensure teenagers' safety. Parents are naturally concerned about the risks young people may face when they are outdoors late at night. For example, teenagers may be more vulnerable to crime, accidents, or other dangerous situations during these hours. Requiring them to be accompanied by an adult can therefore provide greater protection and supervision. In addition, curfews can help teenagers develop discipline and time-management skills. If they are expected to return home by a particular time after school or social activities, they may gradually learn to organise their schedules and become more responsible.

Another important reason for curfews is that they can prevent teenagers from becoming involved in harmful activities. Young people can be easily influenced by their peers, particularly when they spend unsupervised time outside late at night. They may be more likely to experiment with drugs or alcohol or become involved in fighting, vandalism, or other forms of antisocial behaviour. A reasonable curfew can reduce these opportunities and encourage teenagers to make safer choices. Furthermore, learning to follow reasonable rules from an early age can help young people develop a stronger sense of responsibility, which may benefit them in adulthood.

In conclusion, reasonable curfews can play an important role in protecting teenagers and encouraging responsible behaviour. However, excessively strict restrictions may limit their independence. Therefore, parents should combine appropriate rules with education and guidance so that teenagers understand the difference between right and wrong and gradually learn to make responsible decisions for themselves.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct argument—safety and the prevention of antisocial behaviour. You have provided logical support for your points, such as mentioning the influence of peers and the development of time-management skills. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance while adding a nuanced perspective about the balance between restriction and independence. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the supporting points follow in a coherent manner. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'However', which help to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the text. The referencing is clear, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words. The structure is professional and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. There is an awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'antisocial behaviour', 'excessively strict restrictions', and 'vulnerable to crime'. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic or formal context. While the range is good, it could be pushed further towards more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band, but for this task, the lexical control is very strong and contributes to a clear, professional tone throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If they are expected to...') and relative clauses ('...which may benefit them in adulthood'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is consistent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a solid command of English syntax, which is consistent with a high-level performance.

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

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