Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Many people argue that employees should work fewer days each week and enjoy a longer weekend. I strongly agree with this view because a shorter working week can improve workers' well-being, increase productivity, and create a healthier work-life balance.

One of the main benefits of a longer weekend is that it allows employees to recover from work-related stress. In today's fast-paced world, many workers experience pressure from heavy workloads and long working hours. Having an extra day off would give them more time to rest, spend time with their families, and pursue hobbies or physical activities. As a result, they are likely to return to work feeling refreshed and more motivated, which can also reduce stress-related illnesses and absenteeism.

Another important advantage is that a shorter working week can improve productivity. Numerous studies have shown that employees often work more efficiently when they have fewer working days because they manage their time more effectively and focus on completing tasks within a limited period. For example, several companies that introduced a four-day working week reported higher employee satisfaction and, in many cases, maintained or even increased overall productivity. Therefore, reducing working hours does not necessarily reduce business performance.

However, some people believe that shortening the working week may decrease output and increase labour costs, particularly in industries such as healthcare, transportation, and retail, where services are required every day. While this concern is understandable, employers can address it by introducing flexible schedules or rotating shifts so that essential services continue without interruption.

In conclusion, I believe that reducing the length of the working week is a positive development. It not only improves employees' physical and mental health but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction. Although some sectors may face practical challenges, these can be managed through effective workforce planning, making a shorter working week beneficial for both employees and employers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph introduces a relevant, well-developed idea, such as the impact on employee well-being and the counter-argument regarding productivity in service industries. The arguments are extended with logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of companies adopting a four-day week. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance while acknowledging the practical challenges mentioned in the body paragraphs. The response is balanced, thoughtful, and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result', 'Another important advantage', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a counter-argument paragraph, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'fast-paced world', 'stress-related illnesses', 'absenteeism', and 'workforce planning' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is solid and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. There are no spelling errors, and the language used is consistently accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While this concern is understandable, employers can address it...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. You use modal verbs appropriately to express opinions and possibilities. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall quality of the writing is highly professional and accurate. The structure is varied, which keeps the reader engaged.

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