Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-23

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 areas of the United States, teenagers are not allowed to go outside after a certain time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. In my opinion, I believe that imposing a reasonable curfew on teenagers is beneficial because it can improve their safety and encourage responsible behaviour. However, the rules should be flexible according to the teenager’s age and circumstances.

First of all, curfews can protect teenagers from dangerous situations at night. Young people may be more vulnerable to crime, accidents, or harmful influences during late hours. By requiring them to return home at a reasonable time, parents and authorities can reduce these risks. For example, a teenager who is required to be home by 10 or 11 p.m. is less likely to become involved in problems that commonly occur late at night. This can also give parents greater peace of mind.

Secondly, curfews can help teenagers develop discipline and responsibility. Following a fixed schedule teaches young people that freedom comes with certain responsibilities. It can also encourage them to maintain a healthy routine, including getting enough sleep for school. For instance, teenagers who regularly stay outside until very late may struggle to concentrate in class the following day.

However, I do not believe that curfews should be excessively strict. Teenagers should gradually learn to make their own decisions and become independent. There may also be legitimate reasons for being outside late, such as attending a school event, working a part-time job, or travelling home from an important activity. In such situations, parents should be able to make reasonable exceptions.

In conclusion, I support teenage curfews because they can improve safety and encourage discipline. Nevertheless, they should be reasonable and flexible rather than completely restricting teenagers’ freedom. Parents should consider the teenager’s age, maturity and reason for being outside before applying the rules.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant supporting arguments, such as the protection from crime and the development of personal responsibility. The inclusion of a counter-argument regarding the need for flexibility adds depth to your position, demonstrating a balanced view. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarizes your stance. You have successfully met the requirements of the prompt by providing reasons and examples from your own knowledge.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, introduced by effective transition signals such as 'First of all', 'Secondly', and 'In conclusion'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately to link sentences and paragraphs, ensuring the flow of the argument is smooth. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. You use topic-specific terminology such as 'vulnerable to crime', 'harmful influences', and 'maintain a healthy routine' effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to demonstrate greater flexibility. However, there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication, and your spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('If the teenager is required...') and relative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that hinder the reader's understanding. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, which is consistent throughout the essay.

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