Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-24

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)

In recent years, there has been increasing discussion about whether the traditional working week should be reduced and employees should be given a longer weekend. I strongly agree with this view because a shorter working week can improve employees’ mental and physical well-being while also increasing productivity and job satisfaction.

First of all, reducing working hours can significantly improve workers’ health and work-life balance. Employees who spend long hours at work often have limited time for family, friends, exercise and personal activities. This can lead to stress, exhaustion and eventually burnout. In contrast, an additional day off would give people more time to rest and recover from their working responsibilities. For example, an employee who works four days a week could use the extra day to exercise, spend time with family or simply relax, which could make them feel more energetic when returning to work.

Another important reason is that shorter working weeks can actually increase productivity. Working for a long period does not necessarily mean that employees are working efficiently. When people become tired, their concentration and motivation may decrease, resulting in mistakes and slower performance. A shorter schedule could encourage employees to manage their time more effectively and focus on important tasks. For instance, some companies that have experimented with four-day working weeks have reported positive results in terms of employee satisfaction and productivity. This suggests that productivity should be measured by the quality of work rather than simply the number of hours spent in the workplace.

Furthermore, a longer weekend could benefit employers as well as employees. Companies that offer better working conditions may find it easier to attract and retain talented workers. Employees who feel valued are more likely to remain loyal to their organisation and perform well. In addition, fewer working days could reduce absenteeism caused by stress and exhaustion. Although businesses might initially worry about losing working hours, better organisation, technology and efficient time management could help them maintain their output.

However, a shorter working week may not be suitable for every industry. Hospitals, restaurants, transport services and other businesses that operate continuously may need employees to work on different schedules. Nevertheless, this does not mean that the idea should be rejected. Instead, companies could introduce flexible shifts so that employees receive an additional rest day without reducing essential services.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that the working week should be shorter and people should have a longer weekend. It can improve work-life balance, reduce stress and potentially increase productivity. Although some industries may require flexible arrangements, I believe the overall benefits of a shorter working week outweigh the disadvantages.

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. Each paragraph introduces a distinct, relevant argument—well-being, productivity, and employer benefits—which are well-supported with logical reasoning and illustrative examples. The counter-argument regarding essential services is handled effectively, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the topic. The ideas are well-developed and the conclusion provides a clear summary that reinforces your initial stance. The response is balanced and comprehensive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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 cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Another important reason', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is clear, and the use of cohesive devices is natural rather than mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall argument. The flow of ideas is consistent, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'mental and physical well-being', 'eventually burnout', 'remain loyal to their organisation', and 'essential services' show a good command of topic-specific language. There is a natural use of collocations, and the vocabulary is precise enough to convey your arguments effectively. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the formal tone well, it stops just short of the highly sophisticated, idiomatic, or nuanced control required for the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy throughout. You have successfully integrated various sentence types to maintain interest and clarity, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response.

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