Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-10

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, an increasing number of people struggle to get enough sleep, largely because of demanding lifestyles, excessive screen time, and stress. Although insufficient sleep may seem like a minor inconvenience, it can have serious consequences for both individuals and society. Fortunately, several practical measures can help tackle this problem.

One major consequence of sleep deprivation is its negative impact on physical and mental health. People who consistently sleep for too few hours may experience fatigue, poor concentration, and weakened memory, which can reduce their productivity at work or school. In the long term, inadequate sleep can also increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular problems, and other health conditions. Furthermore, a lack of sleep often causes irritability and anxiety, making people less emotionally stable. For example, students who stay awake late to study may find it difficult to concentrate during examinations, despite spending more hours preparing.

There are several effective ways to address this issue. First, people should establish a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day. They should also limit caffeine consumption in the evening and avoid using smartphones or laptops shortly before bedtime, as stimulating content and bright screens can make it harder to fall asleep. In addition, employers and educational institutions could promote healthier schedules and discourage excessive workloads.

In conclusion, insufficient sleep can impair concentration, mental well-being, and physical health. By developing healthy sleeping habits, reducing evening screen exposure, and managing stress and workloads effectively, individuals can significantly improve both the quality and duration of their sleep.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the consequences of sleep deprivation and potential solutions. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the impact on students' academic performance and the role of screen time. The position is clear throughout, and the essay maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The structure is logical, moving from the problem to the solution, which demonstrates a good understanding of the task requirements. To reach a higher band, you could provide even more specific, real-world examples or elaborate slightly more on the societal implications of sleep deprivation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the consequences and the solutions is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'In conclusion' to link your points. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the referencing is precise, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'sleep deprivation', 'cardiovascular problems', and 'stimulating content' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used accurately and naturally, contributing to the clarity of your arguments. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'People who consistently sleep... may experience...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. You successfully combine simple and complex structures to maintain a professional tone. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader, and the accuracy is high throughout the text. This demonstrates a strong command of English grammar.

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