Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-17
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Many people work long hours, leaving very little time for leisure activities.
Does this situation have more advantages or more disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 7.5)
In modern society, demanding work schedules have made long working hours a norm for many individuals, often at the expense of their personal leisure time. Although extended hours can offer certain financial benefits, I firmly believe that the disadvantages, particularly regarding health and personal relationships, far outweigh any advantages.
On the one hand, dedicating extra time to work can yield tangible professional rewards. Prolonged working hours often lead to higher income through overtime pay or accelerated promotions. For ambitious professionals, this extra effort can help establish a strong career foundation and secure financial stability in a competitive market. For instance, many young corporate workers put in long hours early in their careers to save money or fund significant goals like purchasing a home.
On the other hand, the drawbacks of missing out on leisure time are severe. First, a chronic lack of downtime drastically increases stress and burnout, leading to physical and mental health issues such as anxiety and chronic fatigue. Without adequate rest, long-term productivity and creativity eventually drop. Second, spending minimal time outside the office erodes personal relationships. When individuals rarely have time for family, friends, or hobbies, social connections deteriorate, leading to isolation. A clear example is seen in corporate cultures where excessive overwork has directly resulted in severe public health crises and reduced overall quality of life.
In conclusion, while working long hours may bring short-term financial gains, it imposes heavy costs on health and personal relationships. Therefore, this situation clearly presents more disadvantages than advantages.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding financial benefits versus the negative impacts on health and relationships are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of corporate culture and the impact on young professionals. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements, meeting the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to structure the argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, which makes the text easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'demanding work schedules', 'tangible professional rewards', 'accelerated promotions', and 'chronic fatigue' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic or formal context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey complex ideas with ease. The language used is precise and contributes significantly to the overall clarity of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'Although extended hours can offer certain financial benefits, I firmly believe that...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence structures adds to the fluency of the writing, and the overall accuracy is high, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.
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