Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-18

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 6.0)

Nowadays, many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep. There are several problems caused by this trend, and various measures could be taken to improve the situation.

There are a variety of problems of this phenomenon. To begin with, one major consequence of lack of sleep is its negative effect on physical health. Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of heart disease, and contribute to obesity. For example, a woman who has just slept for 3-4 hours feels her body easy to catching a cold or the flu. Another significant problem to mention is that it can affect cognitive functions such as concentration, memory and decision-making, making individuals more prone to mistakes. As research has shown, this may lead to decreased productivity and even workplace accidents. For instance, a persistent lack of rest can trigger mental issues, such as depression, anxiety.

Despite these circumstances, there are various actions that individuals could take to solve the problems. Firstly, a simple way would be to prioritise establishing healthy sleep routines, including maintaining consistent sleeping and waking times. Reducing the use of electronic devices like smartphones, televisions and creating a comfortable sleeping environment. The second measure would be for companies and governments. They could help employees by promoting work-life balance. For example, companies could offer flexible working hours or encourage short breaks during the day to reduce stress. Public awareness campaigns about the importance of resting could also encourage healthier sleeping habits among the population.

n conclusion, the problem of lack of sleep is unlikely to be entirely eliminated in the short term. However, various solutions can be taken to tackle the issue to reduce the impact it is having on the current society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task directly, discussing both the problems caused by a lack of sleep and effective solutions. The ideas are relevant and generally well-developed. For example, the student discusses physical health issues like weakened immune systems and cognitive impacts like reduced concentration. In the second body paragraph, practical solutions are provided, such as establishing healthy sleep routines and corporate initiatives promoting work-life balance. However, some arguments lack full extension or contain minor over-generalisations, placing the response firmly at Band 6.5 to 7.0. Because the prompt asks for both problems and solutions, the student covers the requirements clearly with a logical structure throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are structured into distinct paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph on problems, a body paragraph on solutions, and a brief conclusion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'To begin first', 'Another significant problem', and 'Firstly'. However, some minor awkwardness in referencing exists, such as in the fragment 'Reducing the use of electronic devices like smartphones, televisions and creating a comfortable sleeping environment', which lacks a main verb and disrupts seamless cohesion. Overall, paragraphing is used appropriately, and the logical flow satisfies the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'chronic sleep deprivation', 'immune system', 'cognitive functions', and 'work-life balance'. There are some minor lexical inaccuracies and word-form errors, such as 'feels her body easy to catching a cold' (instead of 'catches a cold easily' or 'makes the body susceptible to catching a cold') and 'importance of resting' (instead of 'rest'). Despite these occasional flaws, communication is never impeded, and the variety of vocabulary used is sufficient for a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or subordinate clauses like 'While chronic sleep deprivation can weaken...'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as the sentence fragment 'Reducing the use of electronic devices like smartphones, televisions and creating a comfortable sleeping environment' which misses a clear predicate, and 'various solutions can be taken' (solutions are implemented or measures are taken). Although punctuation and grammar are generally understandable, the presence of frequent minor errors and non-systematic slips prevents the essay from reaching Band 7.0, aligning it with Band 6.0.

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

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