IELTS Writing Task 2: Homework In Schools — Band 6.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Full Prompt (Official IELTS Writing Task 2 Style)

Some people argue that homework should be abolished in schools. Others believe that homework plays an important role in the educational development of children. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band Score Comparison (Side-by-Side Answers)

Band 6.0 Answer

The topic of homework in schools has been debated for many years. Some people think homework should be abolished. They argue that children already study long hours in school and need time to relax. Too much homework can cause stress and affect their health. Additionally, some students may not have a quiet place to study at home, which can make homework difficult.

Others believe homework is important. They say it helps students practice what they learn in class. Homework can also teach children how to manage their time and be responsible. Parents often support homework because it allows them to see what their children are learning.

In my opinion, homework should not be abolished. However, schools should limit the amount of homework given to students. This way, students can still practice their skills without feeling too much pressure. Schools should also consider the different home environments of students when assigning homework.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (5.0): Presents a position but develops it unsystematically.
• Coherence and Cohesion (5.0): Uses some cohesive devices but often inadequately.
• Lexical Resource (5.5): Attempts a range of vocabulary but makes frequent errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (5.5): Attempts complex sentences but makes frequent errors.

Band 6.5 Answer (Target Model)

The debate about whether homework should be abolished in schools continues. Some people argue that homework should be removed from the school curriculum. They believe that students already spend many hours in school and need time to relax and participate in other activities. Excessive homework can lead to stress and negatively impact students' mental and physical health. Furthermore, not all students have a suitable environment at home to complete their homework effectively.

On the other hand, many educators and parents believe that homework plays a crucial role in a student's education. Homework reinforces what students have learned in class and helps them practice important skills. It also teaches students time management and responsibility, which are essential life skills. Additionally, homework allows parents to monitor their children's progress and be involved in their education.

In my opinion, homework should not be completely abolished. However, schools should carefully consider the amount and type of homework they assign. It is important to ensure that homework is meaningful and not just busy work. Schools should also take into account the different circumstances of their students when assigning homework.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (6.0): Presents a clear position with some development but lacks depth in analysis.
• Coherence and Cohesion (6.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively but there may be some unclear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (6.5): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas but may make some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (6.5): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but may make some errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

The issue of whether homework should be abolished in schools is a contentious one. Proponents of abolishing homework argue that students already spend a significant amount of time in school and need time to engage in extracurricular activities, socialize, and relax. They contend that excessive homework can lead to burnout, stress, and even health problems. Moreover, not all students have access to a conducive environment at home to complete their homework, which can exacerbate educational inequalities.

Conversely, those who support the continuation of homework assert that it plays a vital role in reinforcing classroom learning. Homework encourages students to practice and apply what they have learned, which can enhance their understanding and retention of the material. It also fosters important life skills such as time management, self-discipline, and responsibility. Furthermore, homework provides parents with a window into their children's education and allows them to support their learning.

In my view, homework should not be abolished outright. However, there needs to be a balanced approach to homework assignments. Schools should ensure that homework is meaningful and aligned with classroom learning objectives. They should also consider the diverse needs and circumstances of their students when assigning homework. Additionally, schools could explore alternative methods of reinforcing learning outside of traditional homework.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (7.0): Presents a clear position with developed and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (7.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively to guide the reader.
• Lexical Resource (7.0): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas precisely.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (7.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar.

Band 8.0 Answer

The question of whether homework should be abolished from schools is a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Those advocating for the abolition of homework point to the excessive workload that students already face during school hours. They argue that students need time to pursue interests outside of academics, engage in physical activities, and simply rest to maintain their well-being. Additionally, the quality of homework completion can vary greatly depending on home environments, which can disadvantage students from less privileged backgrounds.

Conversely, supporters of homework maintain that it is an essential component of effective education. Homework provides opportunities for students to reinforce and apply what they have learned in class, which can deepen their understanding. It also helps students develop crucial study skills and habits that will serve them well throughout their lives. Furthermore, homework allows teachers to assess students' understanding and provide targeted support where needed.

From my perspective, homework should not be eliminated but rather reformed. Schools should focus on assigning homework that is purposeful and directly related to classroom learning. They should also consider the diverse needs of their students, providing support and resources to ensure that all students can complete their homework effectively. Additionally, schools could implement policies that limit the amount of homework assigned and ensure that it does not interfere with students' well-being.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (8.0): Presents a clear position with fully developed and supported arguments.
• Coherence and Cohesion (8.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively and skillfully to guide the reader.
• Lexical Resource (8.0): Uses a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and flexibly.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (8.0): Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with generally accurate grammar.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Abolished (adj): Officially end or invalidate something.

• Example: The new policy will abolish the outdated regulations.

1. Curriculum (noun): The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.

• Example: The school is reviewing its curriculum to include more practical subjects.

1. Exacerbate (verb): Make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: The economic crisis only exacerbated the social tensions.

1. Retention (noun): The ability to continue using a skill or remembering information.

• Example: Regular practice helps improve retention of new vocabulary.

1. Conducive (adj): Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible.

• Example: A quiet environment is conducive to effective studying.

1. Contend (verb): Maintain or assert a position in an argument.

• Example: The researcher contends that the data supports her hypothesis.

1. Burnout (noun): Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.

• Example: Many students experience burnout during exam periods.

1. Self-discipline (noun): The ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses.

• Example: Success often requires a great deal of self-discipline.

1. Aligned (adj): Positioned in the correct or most effective relative position.

• Example: The new policy is aligned with the school's educational goals.

1. Privileged (adj): Having special rights, advantages, or immunities.

• Example: Students from privileged backgrounds often have more resources for studying.

1. Targeted (adj): Aimed at a particular group, problem, or need.

• Example: The new program provides targeted support for struggling students.

1. Purposeful (adj): Having or showing a clear intention or purpose.

• Example: The teacher gave purposeful feedback to help students improve.

1. Advocating (verb): Publicly recommending or supporting.

• Example: The organization is advocating for better education policies.

1. Diverse (adj): Showing a great deal of variety.

• Example: The school has a diverse student body with students from many different backgrounds.

1. Reformed (adj): Improved by removing or correcting faults or abuses.

• Example: The education system has undergone significant reforms in recent years.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Inadequate Development of Arguments: Many students present their position but fail to develop it with sufficient examples and explanations. This leads to a lower Task Response score.

1. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically and using cohesive devices effectively. This can make the response difficult to follow.

1. Limited Vocabulary Range: Some students rely on basic vocabulary and repeat words and phrases, which limits their Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should focus on improving their sentence structure and accuracy.

1. Off-Topic Responses: Some students may diverge from the topic or fail to address both views as required by the prompt. This can result in a lower Task Response score.

Next Steps

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