Some people think that the main purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 2 question on IELTSX. Some people think that the main purpose of schools is to turn children into good citizens and workers, rather than to benefit them as individuals.

Schools Turn Children Good Citizens Workers vs Individual Benefit - IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

To what extent do you agree?

Write at least 250 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 7 · 368 words.

Exam Results

WRITING Section

Task 2 Writing Check

✅ AI-Powered Analysis

Task 2 Band Score

7

The essay effectively addresses the prompt with a clear, balanced perspective and logical organization. The language used is precise and grammatically accurate, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0 through consistent clarity and appropriate academic tone.

Task Achievement/Response

Band 7

Addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the societal role and the individual benefit of education.

Presents a clear position throughout, suggesting a balanced approach is necessary.

Main ideas are extended and supported, though the link between 'good citizens' and the examples provided (volunteering/laboratories) could be more explicitly tied to civic duty.

Coherence & Cohesion

Band 7

Information is organized logically with a clear progression from social utility to individual development.

Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently' are used appropriately to signal transitions.

Each paragraph maintains a clear central topic, though some transitions between sentences feel a bit mechanical.

Lexical Resource

Band 7

A sufficient range of vocabulary is used (e.g., 'predisposition', 'stifling', 'labor market') to allow for flexibility.

Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style, though 'responsible residents' is a slightly less natural collocation than 'responsible citizens'.

Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Band 7

A variety of complex structures are used, including relative clauses and conditional-style constructions.

Frequent error-free sentences are produced, demonstrating good control of grammar.

Punctuation is generally accurate, though there are minor slips in comma usage after introductory phrases.

Specific Problems & Improvements

Language Errors

"responsible residents" → "responsible citizens"

"some pupils may have been gifted" → "some pupils may be naturally gifted"

"in the chosen field" → "in their chosen fields"

Content Development

The first body paragraph focuses heavily on 'workers' but misses a deeper explanation of 'good citizens' (e.g., teaching laws, ethics, or community service).

The conclusion is strong, but the introduction could more clearly outline that both sides are necessary rather than just saying it has 'positive and negative sides'.

Structural Issues

The use of 'This is because' and 'This can be explained by' is slightly repetitive; try varying sentence starts to improve cohesion.

Examiner feedback

The essay achieves a solid Band 7.0 as it addresses all parts of the prompt with a clear, consistent position and a logical structure. The language is precise and the grammatical control is strong, though minor improvements in natural collocations and a deeper exploration of the 'citizen' aspect would elevate the score.

Task Response - 7

- Addresses all parts of the task by discussing both societal roles (workers/citizens) and individual benefits. - Presents a clear position that a balanced approach is the most effective. - Ideas are extended, though the 'good citizen' aspect could be more explicitly linked to civic duties like ethics or voting.

Coherence & Cohesion - 7

- Logically organises information with a clear progression from social utility to individual development. - Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with' and 'On the other hand' are used effectively, though occasionally mechanical. - Each paragraph maintains a clear central topic with appropriate internal cohesion.

Lexical Resource - 7

- Sufficient range of vocabulary (e.g., 'predisposition', 'stifling', 'labor market') allows for precision. - Good use of less common items, though 'responsible residents' is a slightly unnatural collocation compared to 'responsible citizens'. - Spelling and word formation are consistently accurate.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- Uses a variety of complex structures, including relative clauses and subordinate clauses. - Frequent error-free sentences are produced throughout the response. - Punctuation is generally accurate, with only minor slips in comma placement after introductory phrases.

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