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User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 5.0 Example

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

296 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 5.0

Nowadays education refers to the basics for a better future. Usually, it’s been decided what profession to choose in the early years. Some people prefer to be a scientist while others want to become footballers. However, some groups of people still think that non-academic subjects should not be taught at school to avoid the distraction from academic study. I do not agree that these subjects should be removed, although schools can give more time to the most important academic lessons. Physical education and cookery are useful parts of a child's development, rather than simple entertainment.

First, physical education helps young people stay active and understand the importance of looking after their health. Many children spend a large part of the day sitting in classrooms, so exercise at school gives them a chance to move. It can also teach teamwork and discipline. These qualities may help students in their academic studies as well.

Cookery is also a practical subject. Children can learn how to prepare basic meals and make sensible food choices. This knowledge can be useful when they become independent adults. If schools remove cookery, some students may have fewer chances to learn these everyday skills, especially if they do not practise them at home.

It is true that students face pressure to get good results, and the school day is limited. Therefore, schools should make sure that academic subjects receive enough lesson time. However, this does not mean that other subjects must disappear. Schools could organise physical education and cookery efficiently, or offer them on different days.

In conclusion, I disagree with removing non-academic subjects completely. Academic achievement matters, but physical education and cookery also support students' health and practical development. A balanced syllabus is a better way to prepare young people for the future.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Make the opening directly answer the extent question: state your disagreement and briefly preview the two benefits you will explain.
2
Develop each body paragraph with a clear claim, an explanation of how the subject helps students, and a link back to why it should remain in the syllabus.
3
Edit the first three sentences for natural phrasing and formal register; replace vague wording such as “education refers to the basics” with a precise statement.

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