Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01

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 7.0)

Nowadays, many people have busy working lives and spend a large amount of time at their jobs. Some people believe that the working week should be shorter and employees should have a longer weekend. I strongly agree with this idea because it can improve workers health and also increase their productivity.

First of all a shorter working week can help people have a better work-life balance. Many workers become tired and stressed because they spend most of their time at work. If they have more free days, they can spend more time with their families and friends. They can also enjoy their hobbies, exercise, or simply relax. As a result, they may feel happier and healthier. For example, a worker who has three days off at the weekend can spend more quality time with their family and return to work feeling fresh.

Secondly, a longer weekend can actually improve productivity. When employees are tired, they may find it difficult to concentrate on their work and can make more mistakes. On the other hand, well-rested workers are usually more active and focused. Therefore, even if they work fewer hours, they may complete their tasks more efficiently. Some companies that offer flexible working hours have found that employees can remain motivated and productive.

However, some people argue that a shorter working week could reduce a company's income. In my opinion, this problem can be solved by improving working methods and using technology to save time.

In conclusion, I agree that the working week should be shorter and the weekend should be longer. It can improve people's health, family life and productivity. Therefore, a shorter working week could be beneficial for both employees and employers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout. Each paragraph provides relevant arguments: the first focuses on work-life balance and health, while the second discusses productivity. The ideas are well-developed with logical explanations and a brief example regarding flexible working hours. The counter-argument is acknowledged and addressed in a separate paragraph, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points and reaffirms the writer's stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using linking phrases such as 'First of all', 'Secondly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a counter-argument paragraph, and a conclusion. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The writer uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'work-life balance', 'productivity', 'flexible working hours', and 'motivated'. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or less common idiomatic expressions that would be expected at the highest band levels. However, the word choice is precise enough to convey the intended meaning without any errors that impede communication. The range is adequate for the task and demonstrates a good command of general academic English.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'If they have more free days, they can spend more time with their families and friends.' Punctuation is generally accurate, although there is a missing comma after the introductory phrase 'First of all'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of the message. The writer shows a good grasp of verb tenses and modal verbs, which are used appropriately to express opinions and possibilities.

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