Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-27

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 7.5)

In some parts of the United States, teenagers are not allowed to be outside after a certain time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult. Although curfews can restrict young people's freedom, I believe they can be beneficial when they are reasonable and designed primarily to protect teenagers from potential dangers.

One major advantage of teenage curfews is that they can improve safety. Late at night, young people may be more likely to encounter dangerous situations, such as crime, violence, or traffic accidents. A curfew can encourage teenagers to remain at home during these hours and reduce their exposure to such risks. For example, parents may feel more comfortable knowing that their teenage children are expected to return home by a specific time rather than spending the late evening outside with friends.

Curfews can also help parents establish clear boundaries and encourage responsible behaviour. Teenagers are still developing their judgment and may sometimes make impulsive decisions, particularly when they are influenced by their friends. Having a clear rule about when they must be home can help them develop good habits and understand the importance of following reasonable restrictions. In addition, parents can use curfews as an opportunity to teach their children about responsibility and personal safety.

However, strict curfew laws can also have disadvantages. Teenagers need some independence as they grow older, and excessive restrictions may prevent them from developing the ability to make decisions for themselves. For instance, an older teenager who has a part-time job, attends an evening class, or participates in a sports activity may occasionally need to be outside after the permitted time. In such situations, a strict curfew could create unnecessary difficulties.

In my view, curfews are most effective when they are flexible and take a teenager's age and circumstances into account. A younger teenager might reasonably have an earlier curfew, while older teenagers could be given greater freedom if they demonstrate responsible behaviour. Exceptions could also be made for legitimate activities such as school events, work, or family occasions.

In conclusion, I believe that reasonable curfews can help protect teenagers and encourage responsible behaviour. However, they should not be so strict that they unnecessarily limit young people's independence. A balanced approach that considers both safety and personal responsibility is likely to be more effective.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear, well-developed position on teenage curfews. The essay introduces the topic appropriately, acknowledges both advantages (safety, boundaries, responsibility) and disadvantages (restricted independence, logistical challenges for working or studying teens), and logically synthesizes these points into a nuanced personal view. Ideas are well supported with relevant, everyday examples, such as part-time jobs, evening classes, and sports activities. There is a strong sense of thoughtful extension throughout the body paragraphs. Overall, the response meets the criteria for Band 8 under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to advantages, disadvantages, personal perspective, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'One major advantage', 'Curfews can also', 'However', and 'In my view' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. The logical sequencing and management of cohesive elements fit comfortably within the Band 7 to 8 range, leaning strongly toward Band 7.5, rounded to a solid 7.0 due to some standard transitional patterns.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'encounters', 'impulsive decisions', 'legitimate activities', and 'circumstances'. Word choice is generally precise, allowing the writer to articulate nuanced arguments about safety and independence. While the vocabulary is not exceptionally sophisticated or rare enough to push into Band 8 territory, it is fully adequate, natural, and free of distracting spelling or collocation errors. This aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writer displays good control of grammar and punctuation throughout the essay, successfully utilizing a wide variety of complex sentence structures (e.g., 'In some parts of the United States, teenagers are not allowed to be outside after a certain time at night unless they are accompanied by an adult'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. Minor slips or awkwardness are absent, and the grammatical control is consistent from beginning to end. This high level of accuracy and structural flexibility easily satisfies the Band 8 criteria.

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