Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

It is often argued that employees should work fewer days and enjoy a longer weekend. I completely agree with this view because a shorter working week improves employee productivity and allows workers to maintain a healthier work-life balance.

The primary benefit of a reduced working week is the significant boost it provides to employee productivity. This is because workers who have adequate rest return to their jobs feeling refreshed and motivated, enabling them to concentrate more effectively and produce higher quality work in less time. For instance, Microsoft Japan introduced a four-day working week in 2019 and reported a remarkable 40% increase in productivity, demonstrating that fewer working hours do not necessarily lead to reduced output. While some employers fear that shorter weeks would decrease overall production, this evidence clearly suggests that well-rested employees accomplish more in four focused days than in five exhausting ones. Therefore, reducing the working week is a highly effective strategy for improving workplace performance.

Furthermore, a longer weekend enables workers to dedicate meaningful time to their families and personal well-being. Employees who work excessively long hours often experience chronic stress, strained relationships, and deteriorating physical health, all of which ultimately reduce their long-term effectiveness at work. For example, Scandinavian countries such as Sweden and Denmark, which consistently maintain shorter working hours, rank among the highest in the world for both citizen happiness and economic productivity. Not only does additional free time strengthen family bonds, but it also allows individuals to pursue physical exercise, hobbies, and rest, which are essential for sustained mental health. Consequently, a longer weekend creates happier, healthier, and ultimately more productive members of society.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the working week should be shortened because it enhances productivity and promotes a healthier work-life balance, benefiting both employers and employees alike.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both main points—the Microsoft Japan case study for productivity and the Scandinavian model for well-being. Each paragraph is logically structured, moving from the main argument to supporting evidence and concluding with a summary of the point. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a well-supported argument that is both relevant and insightful.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'The primary benefit,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking; instead, the cohesive devices serve to guide the reader through the argument seamlessly. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using terms such as 'chronic stress,' 'sustained mental health,' and 'deteriorating physical health' with precision. The language is natural and sophisticated, showing a high level of control over collocation and nuance. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the persuasive tone of the essay, effectively conveying complex ideas without any strain on the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation is excellent. You have used a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur in a longer text are absent here. The accuracy is consistent throughout, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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