Test 2 Task 2 Writing Cambridge 20 Answer with explanation

In many countries, primary and secondary schools close for two months or more in the summer holidays. What is the value of long school holidays? What are the arguments in favour of shorter school holidays? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.  

This question looks like direct question (two-question) type, but it actually is an argument essay (both views) essay. However, you can solve it either way.

Band 9 Answer  + vocab + full Breakdown of answer

In numerous nations, schools at both primary and secondary levels remain closed for an extended summer vacation, often lasting more than two months. While such prolonged breaks provide students with valuable rest and family time, some argue that shorter holidays are more beneficial for academic consistency. This essay will examine the merits of long vacations before considering the rationale for shorter breaks.

On the one hand, long school holidays can be highly advantageous for children’s physical and mental well-being. After months of rigorous academic schedules, students deserve time to recuperate, pursue creative interests, and strengthen family bonds. For instance, many take part in sports, music, or art classes, which enhance holistic development. Moreover, extended holidays allow families to travel together, broadening cultural awareness and fostering stronger relationships. Thus, such breaks contribute not only to relaxation but also to personal growth.

On the other hand, excessively long vacations may disrupt learning. When students stay away from school for long periods, they often experience “learning loss,” forgetting essential knowledge and skills. This problem is especially evident in subjects like mathematics, where consistent practice is crucial. Research shows that students returning from lengthy breaks often need weeks to regain their previous performance. Hence, shorter but more frequent holidays could ensure continuous engagement while still giving time for leisure. Such an approach maintains a balance between rest and sustained momentum.

In conclusion, long school holidays are valuable for rejuvenation and enrichment, but they can also hinder academic progress. While extended breaks nurture creativity and family bonding, shorter holidays may better preserve consistency. A balanced schedule accommodating both relaxation and learning is, therefore, the most effective solution.

(270 words)

Now I will explain how to solve this question in a simple way.

Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Understand the Question

The question is asking about:

• The benefits of long school holidays

• The arguments in favour of shorter holidays

👉 This is a Discussion Essay → you must talk about both sides and then give your opinion.

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2. Plan Your Essay (Brainstorm Ideas)

• Long holidays advantages: rest, family bonding, extracurricular activities, travel.

• Shorter holidays advantages: avoid learning loss, maintain academic consistency, easier revision.

Structure to follow:

• Introduction

• Body 1 = value of long holidays

• Body 2 = reasons for shorter holidays

• Conclusion = balanced opinion

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3. Write the Introduction

An introduction must include:

1. Paraphrase the question → use different words.

   • Example: “Schools remain closed for an extended summer vacation lasting more than two months.”

2. Thesis statement → tell the examiner you will discuss both sides.

3. Outline statement → explain what your essay will cover.

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4. Body Paragraph 1 (Long Holidays)

• Start with a topic sentence → “On the one hand, long holidays are beneficial…”

• Give explanations → health, relaxation, creativity, family time.

• Add an example → extracurricular activities, travel.

• Use linking words → “Moreover, thus, for instance.”

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5. Body Paragraph 2 (Shorter Holidays)

• Start with a topic sentence → “On the other hand, some argue shorter breaks are better…”

• Give explanations → learning loss, difficulty in subjects like math.

• Add an example → research shows students forget material after long breaks.

• Use linking words → “Hence, consequently, therefore.”

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6. Write the Conclusion

• Summarize both sides in new words.

• Give a balanced opinion → long holidays = good for health, shorter ones = better for studies → a combination works best.

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7. Use Strong Vocabulary

Include high-level words for better IELTS score:

• Rigorous, recuperate, holistic development, foster, disrupt, momentum, rejuvenation.

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8. Word Count

Always write 260–290 words to be safe. Below 250 = penalty. Above 310 = risk of mistakes.

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✅ Simple Formula for Students

1. Introduction → paraphrase + thesis + outline

2. Body 1 → first side + examples

3. Body 2 → other side + examples

4. Conclusion → balanced opinion

                                     

                             Hard vocabulary and phrases from this essay

Word / Phrase	Meaning	Synonyms	Example Sentence
Rigorous	Strict, demanding	Strict, exacting, severe	Students face a rigorous schedule during the school year.
Recuperate	Recover from fatigue or illness	Recover, revive, restore	Long holidays give children time to recuperate from stress.
Holistic development	Overall growth including mind, body, and character	Comprehensive growth, all-round development	Extracurricular activities  support holistic development.
Foster	To encourage or promote growth	Encourage, nurture, cultivate	Traveling with family fosters cultural awareness.
Disrupt	To interrupt or break the normal flow	Disturb, interrupt, interfere	Long breaks can disrupt the learning process.
Learning loss	Decline in knowledge due to long academic gaps	Knowledge decline, academic regression	Students often face learning loss after summer.
Momentum	Force or progress that keeps going	Drive, energy, impetus	Shorter breaks help maintain academic momentum.
Rejuvenation	The process of feeling young or refreshed again	Refreshment, revitalization, renewal	Vacations are important for mental rejuvenation.
Consistency	Stability, regularity	Steadiness, continuity, stability	Shorter holidays provide more academic consistency.
Rationale	Reason or justification for something	Reason or justification for something	The rationale for shorter breaks is preventing learning loss.

                            

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