Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-13

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 6.5)

It is often argued that the working week should be shorter so that employees can have a longer weekend for relaxation. While some people believe that longer workdays are important for productivity, I strongly agree that a shorter working week is beneficial for employees and can also reduce stress caused by work pressure.

There are several reasons why I agree with this view. First, a longer weekend allows workers to take rest, recover their energy and reduce working pressure. This is because working continuously without a break can lead to stress and can also reduce focus on work. For example, people who have a three-day weekend have more time to spend with their families and friends and pursue their personal interests. As a result, when they return to the workplace, they are more refreshed and have enough energy to work effectively.

Another important point is that a shorter working week can improve productivity. In addition, when employees have a better work-life balance, they can be more focused on their work and also enjoy their working hours. Moreover, when companies give employees enough free time, it can create a stronger bond between companies and their employees. As a result, employees may give their best to the company and enhance their performance.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that the working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.This can benefit both workers and employers. I believe that reducing working hours does not necessarily decrease productivity; instead, it can encourage people to work more effectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses the prompt clearly, maintaining a consistent position throughout. The arguments regarding employee well-being and productivity are relevant and logically developed. However, the essay could be improved by providing more specific, concrete examples beyond general statements. For instance, mentioning a specific industry or a study on the four-day work week would elevate the depth of the argument. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points, and the overall task requirements are met. To reach a higher band, ensure that each supporting point is fully extended with detailed evidence or real-world application.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Another important point', 'In addition', and 'As a result' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. However, some transitions are slightly repetitive or mechanical. To improve, try using a wider variety of cohesive markers and ensure that the relationship between sentences is always explicit. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the message clearly and accurately. There is an attempt to use topic-specific language such as 'work-life balance', 'work pressure', and 'productivity'. While the range is adequate for the task, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Some phrases are somewhat basic, such as 'take rest' or 'give their best'. To improve, incorporate more precise collocations and less common lexical items to demonstrate a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the meaning is always clear. There are occasional minor issues, such as 'take rest' (should be 'rest' or 'take a rest') and a missing space after the period in the final paragraph. The use of complex structures is generally accurate, but the range could be expanded further to include more varied subordinate clauses or conditional forms to demonstrate higher proficiency. Overall, the grammatical control is solid and does not impede communication.

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