Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-01

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 subject to curfews that prevent them from being outside after a certain time unless they are accompanied by an adult. In my opinion, reasonable curfews can be beneficial because they protect young people from danger, although they should not be excessively strict.

The main advantage of a curfew is that it can improve teenagers’ safety. At night, young people may be more vulnerable to accidents, crime, or harmful situations. A fixed time for returning home also gives parents greater confidence that their children are safe. For example, if a teenager knows that they must be home by 10 p.m., they are less likely to spend late hours in unfamiliar places or with people who may encourage risky behaviour.

Another benefit is that curfews can help teenagers develop responsibility and discipline. Having clear rules teaches them to manage their time and understand that freedom comes with responsibilities. It can also encourage them to maintain a healthier routine, including getting enough sleep for school the following day.

However, I believe curfews should be flexible according to a teenager’s age and circumstances. A 17-year-old attending a school event should not necessarily face the same restrictions as a 13-year-old. Parents should also consider the teenager’s maturity and provide exceptions for legitimate activities, such as studying, working, or attending family events.

In conclusion, I support reasonable teenage curfews because they can increase safety and encourage responsible behaviour. Nevertheless, they should be applied sensibly rather than as an unnecessarily strict restriction on young people’s independence.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by clearly stating an opinion and providing supporting reasons. You have explored both the safety benefits and the developmental aspects of curfews, while also introducing a nuanced perspective regarding flexibility. The ideas are well-developed and logically extended, such as the link between curfews and time management. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could provide a more specific real-world example or a more detailed counter-argument to further demonstrate depth of thought, but overall, the task is addressed comprehensively.

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 advantage', 'Another benefit', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument. The use of referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of an opinion essay. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words. The structure is coherent and supports the overall argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'vulnerable to accidents', 'legitimate activities', and 'unnecessarily strict restriction' show a good command of language. The vocabulary is used accurately and helps to convey your ideas with precision. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current level is well-suited to the topic and allows for clear, nuanced communication without any errors that impede meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if a teenager knows...') and relative clauses ('...unless they are accompanied by an adult'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader or cause confusion. The control over tense and modal verbs is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this type of writing task.

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