Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-10

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 time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. While such curfews may restrict young people's freedom, I believe they are a reasonable measure because they can improve their safety and discourage involvement in harmful activities.

One major advantage of imposing a curfew is that it can protect teenagers from potential dangers during late-night hours. Young people may be more vulnerable to accidents, violence or other unsafe situations when they are outside without adult supervision. A fixed time for returning home can therefore encourage parents to monitor their children's whereabouts and ensure that they are in a secure environment at night. For example, if teenagers know that they must be home by 10 or 11 p.m., they are less likely to spend long periods wandering around unfamiliar areas after dark. Consequently, a curfew can provide parents with greater peace of mind while reducing teenagers' exposure to unnecessary risks.

Another important benefit is that curfews may discourage teenagers from engaging in antisocial or unlawful behaviour. Late-night gatherings can sometimes involve activities such as drinking, drug use, vandalism or fighting, particularly when there is little adult supervision. Although a curfew cannot prevent all such behaviour, it can reduce the amount of time during which young people are exposed to these influences. Moreover, having clear legal restrictions can reinforce the idea that teenagers are expected to behave responsibly. This can contribute to a safer community as well as encouraging young people to develop better habits.

However, I acknowledge that excessively strict curfews could interfere with teenagers' independence. Older adolescents may need to travel home from part-time jobs, social events or educational activities after the designated time. For this reason, curfew regulations should allow reasonable exceptions and should take a teenager's age and circumstances into account rather than imposing identical restrictions on everyone.

In conclusion, although curfews can limit the freedom of teenagers, I believe their benefits outweigh their disadvantages when they are applied sensibly. By reducing young people's exposure to nighttime dangers and discouraging irresponsible behaviour, appropriately designed curfews can help create a safer environment while still allowing teenagers a reasonable degree of independence.

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 develops a distinct, relevant argument—safety and the prevention of antisocial behavior—which are well-supported with logical explanations and examples. The counter-argument regarding independence is also addressed in a balanced way, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the prompt. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the flow between paragraphs is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'consequently,' 'moreover,' and 'for this reason,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage, and the structure is consistently coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise collocations and topic-specific terminology such as 'prohibited,' 'antisocial behaviour,' 'vulnerable,' and 'designated time.' The language is natural and sophisticated, with no noticeable errors in word choice. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your points with precision, which indicates a strong command of English vocabulary suitable for an academic or formal context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While such curfews may restrict... I believe...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The variety of structures used, such as conditional sentences and modal verbs, demonstrates a high level of accuracy and flexibility, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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