Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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 6.0)

In this contemporary era, human beings forget to enjoy life because they work a lot. However, many individuals work long shifts; therefore, they can get a few periods to do some recreational and fun activities. In this matter, I believe it has more disadvantages than advantages in this argument. We are going to look at some pros and cons with relevant examples in this essay.

To commence with, firstly, the people who work more hours can generate more revenue, which can help them to fulfil their dreams and live a more luxurious lifestyle. For instance, many people who work more can get more money they are easily face inflation, and buy their own homes. Lastly, a better chance of getting a promotion at work.

Nevertheless, there are several disadvantages for people who work long or more hours. Firstly, many people face mental issues such as stress, depression, anxiety, and physical problems such as body pain, joint pain, and long-term back issues. Secondly, they can not enjoy their social life, including recreational facilities, sports, watching movies, travelling to new places, and trying new cuisine. Thirdly, people have poor relationships with their family and friends because they can not provide time for them. Fourthly, their health can be affected because they can not provide time to make a healthy meal; instead, they consume junk food. To exemplify, many people get illnesses and deficiencies of vitamins and protein in their bodies because they skip meals and eat junk food.

To conclude, I want to reiterate the given statement that Individuals have to work more to fulfil their dreams in less time. However, they have to ensure their personal life and health as a priority.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The essay addresses the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout, arguing that the disadvantages outweigh the advantages. The ideas are relevant, particularly the discussion on health and social impacts. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. The section on advantages is quite brief and lacks depth, while the disadvantages are listed in a repetitive 'firstly, secondly, thirdly' format rather than being fully explored through detailed argumentation. To reach a higher band, you should aim to expand on your points with more nuanced analysis rather than simply listing them. The conclusion is a bit abrupt and does not fully synthesize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'Nevertheless', and 'To conclude' to signal transitions. However, the use of these devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, particularly the list-like structure in the second body paragraph ('Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Thirdly', 'Fourthly'). The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to create a more natural, sophisticated connection between ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to express your ideas clearly. You use some topic-specific vocabulary such as 'recreational', 'inflation', 'luxurious lifestyle', and 'deficiencies'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of slightly unnatural collocations or word choices, such as 'get a few periods to do' or 'easily face inflation'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic vocabulary and idiomatic collocations. While your meaning is always clear, the lack of variety and occasional imprecise word choices prevent the essay from reaching a higher band in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'they can not provide time to make a healthy meal' (should be 'find time') and 'they are easily face inflation' (incorrect verb usage). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are some awkward phrasings that affect the overall fluency. To achieve a higher score, you need to increase the frequency of error-free sentences and demonstrate more control over complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, while ensuring that your basic grammar remains accurate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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