Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03

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)

It is often suggested that the number of working days should be reduced so that employees can enjoy longer weekends. Although opponents of this idea may argue that fewer working days could negatively affect productivity and economic output, I firmly believe that extending the weekend would be beneficial for both employees and employers. Adequate time away from work can improve workers’ well-being, strengthen their relationships, and ultimately lead to greater efficiency in the workplace.

The primary advantage of a longer weekend is that it would allow employees to recover properly from the physical and psychological demands of their jobs. In modern society, many people spend the majority of their week dealing with tight deadlines, long working hours, and exhausting commutes. Such a lifestyle can gradually lead to chronic stress and burnout, particularly when individuals have insufficient time to rest. An additional day off would enable workers to recharge mentally and physically before returning to their duties. As a result, they would be more likely to approach their work with greater concentration, motivation, and energy. Therefore, reducing the number of working days should not necessarily be viewed as a reduction in productivity; on the contrary, it may improve the quality and efficiency of employees' work.

A further benefit is the positive impact that longer weekends could have on people's personal and social lives. Many employees struggle to balance their professional responsibilities with family commitments and personal interests. After spending most of the week at work, the conventional two-day weekend is often insufficient for individuals to complete household tasks, socialise with friends, and spend meaningful time with their families. Consequently, leisure and personal relationships may be neglected. Providing an additional day of freedom would give people greater control over their time and allow them to maintain healthier relationships and a more balanced lifestyle.

Moreover, extended weekends could contribute significantly to improving mental health. Constant exposure to workplace pressure, combined with a lack of rest and social interaction, can leave individuals feeling emotionally exhausted and isolated. By contrast, having more time for relaxation, exercise, hobbies, and social activities could help people manage stress more effectively. This would not only enhance their overall quality of life but could also reduce the likelihood of work-related mental health problems.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that working days should be reduced in order to provide employees with longer weekends. Additional time away from work would allow people to recover from stress, maintain stronger personal relationships, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. More importantly, happier and well-rested employees are likely to be more focused and productive when they return to work, making this arrangement beneficial not only for workers but also for employers and society as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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—physical recovery, work-life balance, and mental health—which are well-developed with logical explanations. The ideas are extended effectively, and the conclusion provides a strong summary of your stance. There are no omissions, and the response is well-focused on the topic of a shorter working week.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary advantage', 'A further benefit', 'Moreover', and 'By contrast', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is natural and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary that is used with precision. Phrases such as 'psychological demands', 'chronic stress and burnout', and 'professional responsibilities' show a high level of lexical control. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary effectively conveys your arguments with nuance and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses, relative clauses, and participial phrases. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of complex ideas. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the control over tense and aspect is consistent throughout the piece. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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