Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep. What problems can lack of sleep cause? What can be done about lack of sleep?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

In the modern era, an increasing number of people struggle to allocate sufficient time for rest, leading to disrupted sleep routines. This essay will examine the primary causes of this phenomenon—namely high workloads and screen addiction—and propose practical solutions to address the problem.

To begin with, two main factors account for why modern individuals fail to obtain proper rest. Foremost among these is the escalating demand of contemporary work life. In today’s hyper-competitive job market, employees are frequently expected to work extended hours and remain reachable via email long after their official shifts end, blurring the line between professional obligations and personal relaxation. Furthermore, the pervasive presence of technology plays a major role. Blue light emitted from smartphones and tablets suppresses the production of melatonin—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep—making it biologically difficult for people to fall asleep even when they attempt to rest.

Nevertheless, several pragmatic measures can be implemented to address this problem. On an institutional level, employers should encourage a healthier work-life balance by establishing clear boundaries. For instance, adopting "right to disconnect" policies prevents managers from contacting staff during non-working hours, thereby allowing employees to truly mentally unwind. On an individual level, establishing strict sleep hygiene routines is paramount. Simple habits, such as designating the bedroom as a screen-free zone an hour before sleep, can dramatically improve sleep quality and help restore natural circadian rhythms.

In conclusion, prolonged working hours and digital distraction are the primary culprits preventing people from securing enough rest. By enforcing workplace boundaries and cultivating disciplined nightly habits, individuals can regain control over their sleep routines and overall well-being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You identified the problems (workload and screen addiction) and provided clear, actionable solutions (institutional policies and individual sleep hygiene). The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the 'right to disconnect' policies and the biological impact of blue light. The position is clear throughout, and the essay maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The structure is logical, and the content is balanced, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes and solutions is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, ensuring the text is easy to follow and coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'hyper-competitive', 'pervasive', 'circadian rhythms', and 'pragmatic measures'. The collocation is natural, and the vocabulary is used with sophistication. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The language is well-suited to the academic tone of the task, and the use of topic-specific terminology (e.g., 'melatonin', 'sleep hygiene') enhances the quality of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional-like logic and sophisticated sentence subordination (e.g., 'Blue light emitted from smartphones... suppresses the production of melatonin—the hormone responsible for regulating sleep—making it biologically difficult...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is excellent. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the variety of sentence forms contributes to a fluent and professional reading experience.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.