Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-20

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 being outside after a certain hour unless they are accompanied by an adult. While some people consider this an effective way to protect young people, I believe that curfews can be beneficial if they are implemented reasonably and accompanied by appropriate parental guidance.**

The main argument in favour of teenage curfews is that they can improve safety. Young people who spend late hours outside may be more vulnerable to accidents, crime or other dangerous situations. A fixed curfew can therefore reduce their exposure to potentially unsafe environments, particularly in areas with high levels of nighttime crime. It can also discourage teenagers from becoming involved in antisocial behaviour, such as vandalism or fighting. For instance, if teenagers are required to return home by 10 p.m., they are less likely to spend the late evening unsupervised in public places.

Another important advantage is that curfews can encourage teenagers to develop responsible routines. Adequate sleep is essential for young people because it affects their academic performance, concentration and emotional well-being. A reasonable nighttime restriction can prevent teenagers from staying out excessively late and help them maintain a healthier balance between school, social activities and rest. Furthermore, parents may find it easier to establish clear boundaries when there is a specific time by which their children are expected to return home.

Nevertheless, curfews should not be excessively strict. Teenagers gradually need to develop independence and learn how to make responsible decisions for themselves. A rule that prevents them from participating in legitimate activities, such as school events, part-time employment or family gatherings, could be unnecessarily restrictive. Therefore, exceptions should be made for genuine circumstances, while parents should consider their child's age, maturity and individual responsibilities.

**In conclusion, I believe that teenage curfews are generally a positive measure because they can enhance safety and encourage responsible habits. However, they should be flexible and age-appropriate rather than imposed as an unnecessarily rigid restriction on young people's freedom.**

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments, such as safety concerns and the promotion of healthy routines, supported by logical explanations. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging the need for flexibility, which adds depth to your argument. The ideas are extended and supported well, demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic and a strong ability to present a coherent, well-reasoned opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized 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 'The main argument in favour of', 'Another important advantage', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and the overall structure is very clear, contributing to a professional and easy-to-follow flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic or formal discussion. Phrases like 'antisocial behaviour', 'legitimate activities', and 'unnecessarily restrictive' show a good command of language. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the context well, it could be pushed slightly further towards more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to reach the highest band, but it is already very effective for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if teenagers are required to return home...') and relative clauses, with very few errors. Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent, which helps in expressing your opinions and hypothetical scenarios clearly. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the writing is fluent throughout.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.