Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-17

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 7.5)

I strongly agree that the traditional working week should be shortened and that employees should be given a longer weekend. Although some businesses may initially face difficulties in adjusting their schedules, the potential benefits to productivity, employee well-being and work-life balance make this a worthwhile change.

The most compelling reason for reducing working hours is that excessive working can undermine productivity rather than improve it. When employees spend long hours at work, they are more likely to experience fatigue, lose concentration and make avoidable mistakes. By contrast, a shorter working week could encourage people to work more efficiently during their working hours. For example, a company that replaces a five-day week with four longer but more focused working days could require employees to prioritise essential tasks instead of spending time on unnecessary meetings or low-value activities. Consequently, employers could maintain, or even improve, overall productivity while reducing the time employees spend at work.

A longer weekend would also have significant benefits for workers' physical and mental well-being. Modern employees often have little time to rest, exercise, pursue personal interests or spend meaningful time with their families. An additional day away from work would allow them to recover properly before returning to their jobs. This could reduce stress and burnout and potentially lead to higher job satisfaction and lower staff turnover. For instance, employees who have sufficient time to manage household responsibilities and social commitments are likely to arrive at work feeling more refreshed and motivated.

Admittedly, a shorter working week may not be practical for every industry. Hospitals, transport services and other essential sectors need continuous staffing, while some businesses may struggle to provide the same level of service with fewer working days. Nevertheless, these difficulties can be addressed through shift systems, flexible schedules and staggered days off rather than requiring every employee to follow the same timetable.

In conclusion, I believe that shortening the working week and extending the weekend would be beneficial overall. If implemented thoughtfully, this approach could create healthier employees, improve efficiency and establish a more sustainable balance between professional and personal life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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 is well-developed with relevant arguments, such as the link between fatigue and productivity, and the impact on mental well-being. The counter-argument regarding essential industries is handled effectively, showing a balanced perspective while still supporting your main thesis. The ideas are extended with logical explanations and examples, demonstrating a high level of task response. No parts of the prompt were neglected, and the development of ideas is consistent and thorough.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Consequently', 'Admittedly', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; rather, they are integrated naturally into the flow of the text, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'undermine productivity', 'avoidable mistakes', 'staff turnover', and 'staggered days off' show a strong command of collocation and precise word choice. The language is natural and sophisticated, with no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your ideas with precision, which is characteristic of a high-level response. The vocabulary is consistently appropriate for the topic and tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a variety of sentence types to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is accurate and appropriate for the formal tone required in an academic task. Your control over grammar is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of accuracy.

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.