Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The idea of shortening the working week and giving employees a longer weekend has become increasingly popular in recent years. I strongly agree with this proposal because it can improve productivity, enhance work-life balance, and promote overall well-being.

Firstly, a shorter working week often leads to higher productivity. Research from companies that have experimented with four-day weeks shows that employees complete the same amount of work in fewer hours because they are more focused and motivated. For example, Microsoft Japan reported a 40% increase in productivity after introducing a four-day workweek. This suggests that reducing working hours does not necessarily harm output; instead, it can encourage efficiency.

Secondly, longer weekends provide workers with more time to rest, spend with family, and pursue personal interests. In today’s fast-paced world, stress and burnout are common problems. If employees have three days off instead of two, they can recharge properly, which benefits both their mental and physical health. A well-rested workforce is more creative, energetic, and less likely to suffer from illnesses, reducing absenteeism.

Finally, a shorter week can contribute to a better work-life balance. Many people struggle to manage household responsibilities, social commitments, and personal hobbies alongside demanding jobs. An extra day off allows individuals to engage in meaningful activities beyond work, leading to greater satisfaction and happiness. For instance, workers could use the additional time for volunteering, learning new skills, or simply relaxing, which enriches their lives.

In conclusion, I believe that reducing the working week and extending weekends is a positive change. It not only boosts productivity but also improves health and happiness. As the nature of work continues to evolve, societies should seriously consider adopting shorter workweeks to create a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle for employees.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with relevant, well-developed arguments. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct benefit—productivity, health, and work-life balance—providing logical extensions for each point. The inclusion of a specific example, such as the Microsoft Japan study, adds credibility to the argument. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The ideas are well-supported and relevant to the topic, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Finally', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing and substitution is effective, ensuring that the flow of information is natural and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words. The overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student demonstrates a good range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'work-life balance', 'burnout', 'absenteeism', and 'sustainable'. The word choice is generally accurate, and the student successfully avoids repetition by using varied synonyms. While the vocabulary is strong and natural, it occasionally lacks the highly sophisticated or idiomatic flair required for the highest band, but it is more than sufficient for clear and precise communication throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If employees have three days off instead of two, they can recharge properly'). The control over punctuation and sentence construction is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and the grammar is consistently accurate, which aids readability. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of control over English syntax, with no significant errors that impede meaning.

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