Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-08

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 8.0)

Nowadays, many people struggle to get enough sleep, mainly because of busy lifestyles, work pressure, and excessive use of electronic devices. Although lack of sleep may seem like a minor problem, it can have serious effects on both individuals and society. Fortunately, there are several measures that can be taken to address this issue.

One major problem caused by insufficient sleep is its negative impact on physical and mental health. People who regularly sleep for too few hours are more likely to feel tired, stressed, and unable to concentrate during the day. As a result, their performance at work or school may decline. In the long term, chronic sleep deprivation can also increase the risk of health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. Furthermore, tired people may be more likely to make mistakes or have accidents, particularly when driving or operating machinery.

There are several ways to deal with this problem. First, individuals should develop healthier sleeping habits. For example, they can maintain a regular bedtime, avoid drinking coffee late in the day, and reduce their use of smartphones and computers before going to bed. Creating a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment can also improve the quality of sleep. Second, employers and governments could help reduce excessive working hours and encourage a healthier work-life balance. In addition, people who suffer from persistent sleep problems should seek professional medical advice rather than relying on sleeping pills without guidance.

In conclusion, lack of sleep can lead to poor concentration, reduced productivity, and serious health problems. Individuals can improve their sleeping habits, while employers and governments can help create conditions that allow people to achieve a better balance between work and rest. By taking these steps, the negative effects of sleep deprivation can be significantly reduced.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the problems caused by lack of sleep and the potential solutions. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented. For instance, the discussion on physical health risks like 'obesity' and 'heart disease' provides clear, relevant examples. The solutions are equally well-supported, covering both individual actions, such as 'maintaining a regular bedtime', and broader societal interventions like 'work-life balance'. The position is clear throughout, and the response maintains a consistent focus on the topic, meeting all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs—one for problems and one for solutions—and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'As a result', and 'In addition' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth, making the argument easy to follow. The use of referencing is accurate, ensuring that the reader can easily track the development of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for the context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'chronic sleep deprivation', 'immune system', and 'work-life balance' with natural control. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated, it is accurate and fits the academic tone of the task well. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning. The range is sufficient to express ideas clearly and effectively, demonstrating a good command of language suitable for this type of writing task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('People who regularly sleep... are more likely to...') and participial phrases. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall grammatical quality is strong, reflecting a high level of proficiency and attention to detail in the construction of sentences.

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

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