Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-20

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)

In recent years, the debate surrounding work life balance has intensified, leading many to advocate for a four day workweek and an extended weekend. I completely agree with this proposition, as reducing standard working hours enhances employee well being and ultimately boosts overall productivity.

First and foremost, a shorter workweek significantly improves workers' physical and mental health. The modern five day work model often leads to chronic stress, burnout, and fatigue, as employees struggle to manage professional obligations alongside personal duties. A three day weekend provides individuals with sufficient time to rest, pursue hobbies, and spend quality time with family. For instance, trial programs in countries like Iceland and the UK revealed that employees working four days reported lower stress levels and better overall life satisfaction compared to their traditional schedules.

Furthermore, contrary to the belief that fewer hours reduce output, a shortened workweek actually enhances occupational efficiency. When employees are well rested, their concentration, creativity, and motivation increase substantially. Reduced burnout leads to fewer sick days and higher workplace engagement. Companies that implemented a four day model observed that staff accomplished the same volume of work in less time simply because they were more focused and less prone to workplace distraction.

However, opponents argue that certain service sectors, such as healthcare and public transport, require continuous operation. While this is true, businesses can adapt by implementing rotational shifts rather than overworking individual staff members, ensuring continuous service without compromising employee health.

In conclusion, transitioning to a shorter working week and a longer weekend is a mutually beneficial strategy for both employers and employees. It fosters a healthier workforce while maintaining, if not improving, corporate productivity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position in favor of a shorter workweek. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on employee well-being and the second on productivity. The inclusion of specific examples, such as the trial programs in Iceland and the UK, adds depth and credibility to the argument. The counter-argument regarding service sectors is acknowledged and effectively addressed, showing a balanced and thoughtful approach. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points without introducing new information. The response is well-structured and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost,' 'Furthermore,' and 'However.' The use of referencing is accurate, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. The essay flows well from the introduction to the conclusion, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall organization is highly effective for an academic essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the academic context. The student uses a range of sophisticated collocations and topic-specific terminology, such as 'professional obligations,' 'occupational efficiency,' 'workplace engagement,' and 'mutually beneficial strategy.' The word choice is natural and contributes to the clarity of the argument. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the student demonstrates an ability to use less common lexical items effectively. The language is fluent and flexible, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. While the writing is highly accurate, it remains within the realm of standard academic English without reaching the level of 'full flexibility' required for a band 9, though it is clearly above band 7. The errors are virtually non-existent, and the sentence variety is excellent.

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