Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

It is widely argued that the standard workweek should be shortened to provide employees with an extended weekend. I firmly agree with this perspective, as a reduction in working hours significantly alleviates stress and allows individuals to cultivate stronger bonds with their families during their leisure time.

One of the primary benefits of a condensed workweek is that it affords people more time to rest and recover. When employees are not confined to the office beyond their required tasks, they can return home earlier and completely disconnect from professional pressures. For example, a teacher who is able to leave school immediately after completing their lectures has more time to unwind. While demanding managers can sometimes pressure employees into working overtime, establishing officially shorter working hours ensures that workers are protected from burnout. Consequently, employees who enjoy adequate downtime are far more likely to lead healthy, stress-free lives.

Furthermore, an extended weekend provides individuals with invaluable opportunities to spend quality time with their loved ones. Having an extra day of free time is highly beneficial for those who wish to explore their city, visit local parks, or engage in recreational activities. For instance, after a demanding week, a family might finally have the energy to dine at a nice restaurant or take a short trip. Beyond just outings, parents can simply play with their children or visit extended relatives, which is deeply fulfilling and emotionally rejuvenating. Ultimately, these shared experiences foster a happier home environment.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly believe that transitioning to a shorter workweek and a longer weekend is highly advantageous. By minimizing office hours, workers can successfully mitigate stress and dedicate far more energy to their families and personal well-being. Whether through exploring new places, enjoying local amenities, or simply resting at home, this balance is essential for a fulfilling life.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource7.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5
Overall7.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with relevant arguments. The response is well-developed, focusing on the benefits of reduced stress and improved family life. Each paragraph introduces a distinct, logical point that directly relates to the question. You have effectively balanced the discussion by acknowledging potential challenges, such as workplace pressure, while maintaining your stance. The ideas are extended with clear examples, such as the teacher scenario and the family outing, which demonstrate a good understanding of the topic. The conclusion effectively summarizes your position without introducing new information, ensuring the response is cohesive and focused throughout.

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, using appropriate linking words such as 'Furthermore' and 'Consequently'. You have used a variety of cohesive devices, such as 'For instance' and 'Beyond just', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of connectors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'alleviates stress', 'cultivate stronger bonds', and 'emotionally rejuvenating' show a level of sophistication and precision. You use collocations effectively, and the language is natural throughout. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more topic-specific, less common lexical items could elevate the score further. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas with clarity and precision, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'When employees are not confined to the office beyond their required tasks, they can return home earlier'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You have used a variety of verb tenses and modals appropriately to express your opinions and hypothetical situations. There are no significant grammatical errors that cause confusion. The sentence construction is varied, which keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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