Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 8.0)

It is often argued that employees should work fewer days and enjoy longer weekends. I largely agree with this view, primarily because reduced working hours can improve productivity and mental health, although I acknowledge that certain industries may struggle to adapt.

On the one hand, a shorter working week could benefit both employees and employers. When people have more time to rest, they tend to return to work with greater focus and energy, which can offset the reduction in hours with an increase in output per hour worked. For example, trials conducted in countries such as Iceland and the UK found that companies adopting a four-day week reported similar or even improved levels of productivity, alongside lower staff turnover and reduced absenteeism. Furthermore, additional leisure time allows workers to spend more time with their families, pursue hobbies, or attend to personal health, all of which contribute to lower stress levels and a better work-life balance. This, in turn, can reduce healthcare costs associated with burnout and stress-related illness, benefiting society as a whole.

On the other hand, shortening the working week is not without difficulties. Certain sectors, such as healthcare, emergency services, and manufacturing, rely on continuous staffing, meaning a shorter week could require hiring additional employees, which small businesses may not be able to afford. Similarly, in economies where wages are already tied closely to hours worked, employees might find their income reduced unless companies commit to maintaining full pay for fewer hours, as seen in the trials mentioned above. Without careful planning, therefore, the transition could create financial strain rather than relieving it.

In conclusion, while implementing a shorter working week presents practical challenges for some industries, I believe the benefits to employee wellbeing and long-term productivity make it a change worth pursuing, provided it is introduced gradually and with appropriate support for affected businesses.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the discussion on productivity and the counter-arguments regarding specific industries like healthcare. You provide relevant examples, such as the trials in Iceland and the UK, which effectively support your arguments. The conclusion provides a balanced summary that reinforces your stance. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the challenges is smooth, using effective signposting phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'This, in turn', and 'Without careful planning' are used naturally and accurately. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points, ensuring the reader can follow the argument without difficulty. The flow of information is seamless throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'absenteeism', 'burnout', 'continuous staffing', and 'financial strain'. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is used with a high degree of sophistication. You successfully avoid repetition by using varied synonyms and complex phrases, which contributes to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures (e.g., 'provided it is introduced...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance readability. There is a high level of control over verb tenses and modal verbs, which are used appropriately to discuss hypothetical scenarios and general truths. The writing is fluent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication or distract the reader.

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