Some people argue that primary schools focus too much on formal learning. To what extent do you agree with this opinion? How important do you think it is for children to play as well as learn in the primary school classroom? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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Some people believe that primary schools place excessive emphasis on formal academic learning at the expense of

children

Use synonyms

overall

Linking Words

development. I strongly agree with

this

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view because an education system centred solely on academic achievement often overlooks the importance of creativity, problem-solving and social development.

Therefore

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, play should be regarded as an essential component of primary education rather than a distraction from learning. One of the main limitations of traditional teaching methods is their heavy reliance on rote learning, where

children

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are expected to memorise information

instead

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of developing a genuine understanding of concepts.

Although

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activities

such

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as spelling tests, quizzes and essay writing remain valuable, they often encourage students to reproduce knowledge rather than apply it in real-life situations.

By contrast

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, play-based learning actively engages

children

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in the learning process, stimulates intellectual curiosity and develops critical thinking skills.

As a result

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, pupils retain information more effectively and become independent learners. Equally important is the role of play in supporting

children

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's physical, emotional and social development. Participating in games, sports and collaborative classroom activities encourages teamwork, communication and self-confidence

while

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promoting an active lifestyle. These experiences not only improve

children

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overall

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wellbeing

Correct your spelling

well-being

but

also

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help them develop resilience and adaptability, which are essential qualities for lifelong learning.

Consequently

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children

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become better prepared to face academic challenges

as well as

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future responsibilities beyond the classroom. In conclusion,

while

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formal education provides

children

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with essential academic knowledge, it should not dominate the primary school curriculum. A balanced approach that combines structured learning with play-based activities is far more effective in fostering well-rounded individuals who are equipped with both academic knowledge and practical life skills.

alyshan.maredia

Aug 9, 2026

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task response

Score: 8. Add one real example from your own life or what you have seen. The question asks for this. For example, say how a group game helped a child in a class learn to share or solve a problem.

task response

Give a little more detail about why some formal learning is still needed. This will make your “balanced approach” more full and fair.

coherence and cohesion

Score: 8. Your flow is very good. To make it even better, add a short link between the two main parts, such as: “Play also helps children outside their school work.”

coherence and cohesion

Some sentences are long. Split a few into two shorter sentences so the ideas are even easier to read.

task response

You answer both parts of the question clearly. Your view is clear from the start: you strongly agree, and you say play is very important.

task response

Your main ideas are strong and stay on the topic: play can help thinking, health, feelings, and work with others.

coherence and cohesion

The essay has a clear shape: opening, two main parts, and an ending. Each part has one main idea.

coherence and cohesion

Linking words such as “By contrast”, “As a result”, “Equally important”, and “Consequently” help the reader follow your ideas.

Support ideas with relevant, specific examples

Examples make your writing easier to understand by illustrating points more effectively.

Examples, if used properly, not only help you get higher marks for ‘Task Response’ but also for ‘Coherence’.

When giving examples it is best to put them after your main idea or topic sentence. They can be used in the middle of supporting sentences or they can be used to start a new sentence. There is no rule for where exactly to give examples in essays, logically they would come after your main idea/topic sentence or just after a supporting sentence.

Linking words for giving examples:

for example
for instance
to illustrate this
to give a clear example
such as
namely
to illustrate
take, for example

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12
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
1
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
1
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 7.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 8.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 6.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

4 paragraphs

272 words

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