Team activities and life skills: IELTS Task 2 essay #12, band 7.5
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.
280 words. Marked by Axiom on 7 May 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2280 words
Group or team activities can teach more important skills for life than those activities which are done alone. Do you agree or disagree?
There is a debate over the importance of group or team activities in comparison to autonomous undertakings, with some claiming that the former can teach more core aptitude and others supporting the latter. While there are certain benefits of group activities, I believe independent work is even more essential in certain circumstances.
By collaborating, team members can improve their adaptability, leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. These experiences teach how to resolve conflicts and enhance communication, which are crucial for both professional and personal growth. During discussions, members of the team exchange ideas, observe others, and give feedback for peers, which is constructive. When one lacks ideas, others can offer different perspectives. For example, football teams allow their members to discuss strategies and develop leadership and teamwork.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOne primary advantage of team-based tasks is the opportunity they provide for learning soft skills.
The revised sentence provides a clearer connection between the type of activity (team-based tasks) and the skills being discussed (soft skills).
Working autonomously encourages people to take responsibility for their own decisions so that they think thoroughly before making important decisions. Without the support of others, one can rely on themselves to overcome challenges, which is a key feature of self-discipline. Moreover, one can learn how to manage time during completing tasks independently.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOn the other hand, independent tasks allow individuals to develop personal skills, which are equally important as interpersonal skills.
The revised sentence provides a clearer contrast to the previous point and improves the flow of ideas.
Lexical resource
RevisedThis helps them prioritize tasks, organize their work more efficiently, increase productivity, and reduce stress as they meet their deadlines.
The revised sentence is more natural and accurate in terms of word choice, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
Lexical resource
RevisedFor instance, university students conducting research papers must carefully manage their time, gather resources, and analyze data.
The revised sentence is more natural and accurate in terms of word choice, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
This is because they drive people to advance their personal skills.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn conclusion, while many believe that teamwork is crucial for acquiring essential skills, I argue that independent tasks hold greater significance in certain situations.
The revised sentence provides a clearer contrast to the previous points and improves the overall clarity of the conclusion.
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 and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
- Ensure that your examples are directly relevant to the point you are making.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne primary advantage of team-based tasks is the opportunity they provide for learning soft skills.
The revised sentence provides a clearer connection between the type of activity (team-based tasks) and the skills being discussed (soft skills).
RevisedOn the other hand, independent tasks allow individuals to develop personal skills, which are equally important as interpersonal skills.
The revised sentence provides a clearer contrast to the previous point and improves the flow of ideas.
RevisedIn conclusion, while many believe that teamwork is crucial for acquiring essential skills, I argue that independent tasks hold greater significance in certain situations.
The revised sentence provides a clearer contrast to the previous points and improves the overall clarity of the conclusion.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne primary benefit of team-based tasks is the opportunity to develop soft skills.
The revised sentence is grammatically more accurate and natural.
RevisedThis helps them prioritize tasks, organize their work more efficiently, increase productivity, and reduce stress as they meet their deadlines.
The revised sentence is grammatically more accurate and natural, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
RevisedFor example, university students who are required to complete research papers must manage their time carefully, collect resources, and analyze data.
The revised sentence is grammatically more accurate and natural, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne primary benefit of team-based tasks is the opportunity to develop soft skills.
The revised sentence is more natural and accurate in terms of word choice.
RevisedThis helps them prioritize tasks, organize their work more efficiently, increase productivity, and reduce stress as they meet their deadlines.
The revised sentence is more natural and accurate in terms of word choice, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
RevisedFor instance, university students conducting research papers must carefully manage their time, gather resources, and analyze data.
The revised sentence is more natural and accurate in terms of word choice, and it improves the overall clarity of the sentence.
Task response
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. However, the introduction could be improved to better introduce the topic and provide a clear thesis statement.
Suggestions
- Consider revising the introduction to provide a clearer background to the topic and to more effectively introduce the main points that will be discussed in the essay.
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