Band 6 IELTS Sample Essay: Ai Education
Reading time: 1 minutes
The Prompt
Some people believe artificial intelligence will transform classrooms by personalising learning for every student. Others argue that AI tools weaken critical thinking and reduce contact between teachers and learners. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The Essay
Nowadays, artificial intelligence is becoming more and more common in many areas of life, including education. Some people think that AI will improve classrooms by making learning more personal for each student, while others believe it will damage critical thinking and reduce the relationship between teachers and students. This essay will discuss both views before giving my own opinion.
Firstly, there are clear benefits to using AI in education. AI tools can look at how each student learns and then give them lessons and exercises that match their level. For example, if a student is weak in mathematics, the system can provide more practice in that area automatically. This means students do not have to wait for a teacher to notice their problems, and they can learn at their own speed. It is well known that every student has different needs, so personalised learning can be very much important for improving results.
On the other hand, there are also important disadvantages. Some people argue that when students use AI tools too much, they stop thinking for themselves and just follow the answers the system gives them. Moreover, if teachers spend less time talking directly with students, the students may feel less motivated and supported. Human contact is a very important part of education, and AI cannot replace the emotional support that a good teacher can give.
In my opinion, AI has the potential to make education better, but it should be used as a support for teachers, not a replacement. Schools should do an effort to find the right balance between technology and human teaching so that students can get the best of both.
Why This Scored Band 6
Task Achievement: 6.5
Your essay addresses the main parts of the prompt appropriately, presenting both views on AI in education before offering your opinion. You demonstrate Band 6.5 task response by covering advantages ('AI tools can look at how each student learns') and disadvantages ('students stop thinking for themselves'), with a clear position in your conclusion. However, your development lacks the precision and depth required for Band 7. The descriptor states Band 7 requires 'main ideas are extended and supported' with focus and precision, but your supporting ideas remain somewhat general. For example, 'if a student is weak in mathematics, the system can provide more practice' needs more specific elaboration about how this personalisation actually improves learning outcomes compared to traditional methods.
Coherence and Cohesion: 7
Your essay demonstrates Band 7 coherence with clear logical organization and effective progression throughout. Information flows logically from introduction through both viewpoints to conclusion, meeting the descriptor requirement that 'information and ideas are logically organised, and there is a clear progression throughout the response.' You use cohesive devices appropriately ('Firstly,' 'On the other hand,' 'Moreover'), though with some mechanical quality. Your paragraphing is generally effective with distinct sections for each viewpoint. However, some transitions could be more sophisticated - 'Firstly, there are clear benefits' is functional but basic compared to Band 8 expectations of more natural, varied linking.
Lexical Resource: 6.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate and appropriate for the task, demonstrating Band 6.5 lexical resource. You use some effective phrases like 'personalised learning,' 'critical thinking,' and 'emotional support.' However, several issues prevent a Band 7 score. The phrase 'very much important' is unnatural (should be 'very important' or 'extremely important'), 'do an effort' is incorrect collocation (should be 'make an effort'), and 'look at how each student learns' is imprecise (better: 'analyze each student's learning patterns'). The descriptor for Band 7 requires 'some ability to use less common and/or idiomatic items' with 'awareness of style and collocation,' but your collocation errors ('do an effort') and repetitive basic vocabulary ('very,' 'important,' 'students') limit your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.5
Your essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, placing it at Band 6.5. You attempt complex structures like 'if a student is weak in mathematics, the system can provide more practice' and 'when students use AI tools too much, they stop thinking for themselves,' showing good control of conditional sentences. However, several errors prevent Band 7: 'very much important' (incorrect intensifier placement), 'do an effort' (wrong verb), and some awkward phrasing. The Band 7 descriptor requires 'a variety of complex structures is used with some flexibility and accuracy' with 'error-free sentences are frequent.' While you produce many accurate sentences, the errors that do occur are noticeable enough to keep you at Band 6.5 rather than 7.0.
Want feedback on your own essay? Get YOUR essay scored, free → Paste your Task 2 essay → band score and feedback in 2 minutes. No signup.