Team activities and life skills: IELTS Task 2 essay #22, band 8.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
554 words. Marked by Axiom on 6 June 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2554 words
Group or team activities can teach more important skills for life than those activities that are done alone. Do you agree or disagree?
Some people hold the opinion that taking part in group activities can teach more valuable skills than those of individual activities. I agree with this opinion as group activities often display circumstances that are lifelike and can create an opportunity to prepare for the future.
One potential reason is that activities done alone teach people to be comfortable with themselves. It gives them time to sit with themselves and ponder their thoughts. They teach how to be independent and not to fear going into some experiences alone. For example, pottery is one of the hobbies that is usually done alone and not with a group, but the process is a long yet beautiful journey. Pottery teaches us that we sometimes make mistakes, but we can always start anew. Like when people try to make a vase, they have to reform the clay sometimes, but the end result is beautiful. Or they might not know exactly what they wanna make, but through experimenting with different shapes, they may create something unique. And this is not the case that can only be seen when doing pottery, we can state drawing or baking as an example as well.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOne reason some people may prefer individual activities is that they can be more beneficial than group activities.
The revised sentence is more concise and directly communicates the idea.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedClearly, individual activities can also impart valuable lessons that are important for life, which is why some people support this view.
The revised sentence is more concise and uses a more formal tone.
I, however, believe that taking part in group activities can teach people more crucial lessons. It is arguable that group activities often display situations that we may come across in our daily life, making it more relevant to life and teaching us skills that we may use in the future. As group activities often require communicating and cooperating, they can teach people one of the most important skills for life: communication skills. This skill is not only useful in workplaces and social events, but it is also the key to building new relationships with other people. The majority of companies want employees who can attract clients and provide great customer service. Furthermore, group activities create an environment where people have to take responsibility and be cooperative, which are also crucial skills that can come in handy. When doing a project, for example, one person has to take on a certain task, and if they fail to complete it, then they would let the whole team down. Considering that the whole team is at stake, they learn how to complete the task and contribute to the work. Along with that, they learn that to win, the team has to come together as a group, consider other people's opinions, and cooperate. Therefore, it is safe to say that taking part in group activities does, in fact, teach people valuable lessons.
Lexical resource
RevisedAs mentioned, possessing strong social skills can create new opportunities, particularly in the context of job applications.
The revised sentence uses more precise language and is more formal in tone.
In conclusion, some people think that group projects can teach skills that are more important than those that individual activities teach. I also support this idea, as skills like communication and cooperation can be developed while taking part in group activities, and they are among the most crucial skills that may prove to be useful in life.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are all clearly structured. However, there are a few instances where the flow of ideas could be improved. "It is first important to address the possible reasons why some people may think that individual activities may be of more use than group activities." This sentence is a bit long and could be made more concise to improve clarity. "As can be seen, doing individual activities can also teach people some valuable lessons that may prove to be important in life, and that is why some people may support this statement." This sentence is a bit repetitive and could be shortened to improve the flow of ideas.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Ensure that your sentences are not too long or complex, as this can sometimes lead to a lack of clarity.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedOne reason some people may prefer individual activities is that they can be more beneficial than group activities.
The revised sentence is more concise and directly communicates the idea.
RevisedClearly, individual activities can also impart valuable lessons that are important for life, which is why some people support this view.
The revised sentence is more concise and uses a more formal tone.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. The majority of sentences are error-free. However, there are a few minor errors. "It is first important to address the possible reasons why some people may think that individual activities may be of more use than group activities." The phrase "may be of more use" is a bit informal and could be replaced with "be more beneficial" or "be more productive." "As stated, having good social skills can open new doors, especially when it comes to job applications."The phrase "open new doors" is a bit informal and could be replaced with "create new opportunities."
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a good command of a broad lexical repertoire. A wide range of vocabulary is used effectively and accurately. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice. "It is first important to address the possible reasons why some people may think that individual activities may be of more use than group activities." The phrase "may be of more use" is a bit informal and could be replaced with "be more beneficial" or "be more productive." "As stated, having good social skills can open new doors, especially when it comes to job applications." The phrase "open new doors" is a bit informal and could be replaced with "create new opportunities."
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedOne might first consider why some people believe that individual activities are more beneficial than group activities.
The revised sentence is more formal and academic in tone.
RevisedAs mentioned, possessing strong social skills can create new opportunities, particularly in the context of job applications.
The revised sentence uses more precise language and is more formal in tone.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout the response. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. However, the introduction could be more concise and focused. The introduction could be more concise and focused. Consider removing the lengthy explanation of why some people may prefer individual activities. Instead, simply state that while individual activities can teach valuable lessons, group activities are often more beneficial for developing crucial life skills.
Suggestions
- Consider making the introduction more concise and focused.
- While individual activities can be valuable, group activities often teach essential skills that are more relevant for life and work.
Check your own essay on this question
Write your answer and Axiom marks it the same way: a band for each criterion, and revisions for your own sentences. How the Task 2 checker works.
Check an essay free