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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 7.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

291 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

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Ideas to explore

  • Physical education can support students’ health and give them a way to manage the stress of academic demands.
  • Cookery teaches practical independence and helps students make informed choices about food.
  • Limited school time supports careful curriculum planning, but does not necessarily justify removing non-academic subjects altogether.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the pressure to succeed academically and state clearly whether you agree with removing non-academic subjects.
  2. Explain one benefit of physical education and connect it to students’ wellbeing or development.
  3. Explain one practical benefit of cookery and why it matters beyond the classroom.
  4. Acknowledge limited teaching time and propose balancing subjects instead of eliminating them.
  5. Restate your position and briefly summarise why a broad curriculum is valuable.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a balanced curriculum
A programme of study that includes different kinds of subjects rather than focusing on only one area.

A balanced curriculum can give students time to develop academic knowledge and practical skills.

manage academic stress
Deal with pressure arising from schoolwork or academic expectations.

Physical activity may help young people manage academic stress.

practical skills
Useful abilities that can be applied to everyday tasks and responsibilities.

Cookery lessons help pupils develop practical skills they can use at home.

allocate teaching time
Decide how available classroom time is divided among subjects or activities.

Schools can allocate teaching time carefully without removing non-academic subjects.

Task Prompt

There is a lot of pressure on young people today to succeed academically. As a result, some people believe that non-academic subjects, such as physical education and cookery, should be removed from the school syllabus so that children can concentrate on academic work. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

User Essay Analysis

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Band 7.0

Nowadays, education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of young individuals. It is often the case that career aspirations are determined during the early years of schooling, with some aspiring to pursue scientific professions while others aim for careers in sports. Nevertheless, there is a prevailing belief that non-academic subjects should be excluded from the syllabus altogether. I disagree with this proposal because these subjects support children's development and can complement their academic learning.

To begin with, physical education helps students maintain an active lifestyle and teaches them skills such as teamwork and perseverance. These abilities are useful beyond the sports field: pupils who learn to cooperate and keep trying after a setback may also approach classroom challenges more confidently. Removing PE could therefore narrow children's opportunities to develop important personal skills during the school day.

Cookery is also a practical subject that can prepare young people for everyday responsibilities. Learning to plan a simple meal, follow instructions and handle ingredients safely gives students knowledge they can use throughout their lives. It may also introduce scientific ideas, including measurement and changes in materials, in a practical context. This shows that non-academic lessons need not compete with academic study; they can help make some concepts easier to understand.

Of course, schools have limited time, and core subjects such as mathematics and science deserve sufficient attention. However, this does not mean that other subjects should be removed. Schools can set a balanced timetable so that pupils study academic subjects thoroughly while still receiving regular lessons in physical education and cookery.

In conclusion, I disagree with excluding non-academic subjects from the school syllabus. Although academic achievement is important, PE and cookery offer practical and personal benefits that contribute to a well-rounded education.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
In the PE paragraph, add one brief, realistic example of teamwork or persistence in a school activity and connect it directly to your argument.
2
Make the cookery paragraph more specific by explaining one practical skill students learn and why they may need it outside school.
3
Keep the counterargument concise, then state clearly how a balanced timetable addresses the pressure on time without removing either subject.

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