Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

It is often argued that the working week should be reduced so that employees can enjoy a longer weekend. I agree with this statement because a shorter working week can improve workers' well-being and increase their productivity.

One of the reasons I believe the working week should be shorter is that this strategy helps workers maintain better mental and physical health. Workers can spend more time with their families and friends, which helps them reduce stress and exhaustion. It also gives them more time to relax, pursue hobbies and maintain a healthy work-life balance. For example, some companies allow employees to work remotely for one day a week, which can contribute to better mental health and job satisfaction.

Moreover, a shorter working week and an extended weekend can boost employees' productivity. Well-rested employees are more focused on their work and can use their skills more effectively. They are also less likely to make mistakes because they have enough time to recover from work-related stress. As a result, they can complete their tasks more efficiently.Furthermore, having an additional day off can allow employees to return to work feeling refreshed and motivated. This can improve their concentration and help them deal with challenging tasks more effectively, which may benefit both employees and employers For instance, some large companies have introduced flexible working schedules and reported improvements in employee performance and satisfaction.

In conclusion, I believe that an extended weekend and a shortened working week can be beneficial for employees' overall well-being and can also lead to higher productivity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the response, fully addressing the prompt regarding whether the working week should be shorter. In the introduction, the writer clearly states agreement with the proposition and outlines two main supporting pillars: improved well-being and increased productivity. Body paragraphs are dedicated to these respective areas, providing coherent supporting arguments such as reduced stress, better work-life balance, and enhanced employee focus. Examples are provided to illustrate the points, such as companies introducing flexible working schedules. The ideas are extended and supported well, aligning comfortably with the Band 7 criteria, as all parts of the task are addressed with a clear overall position and well-supported arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to well-being, then productivity, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader, such as 'One of the reasons', 'Moreover', 'As a result', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. However, there is a minor mechanical error in paragraphing and transition where a sentence runs together ('employers For instance'), showing occasional minor lapses in cohesive mechanics. Overall, the organizational structure is sound, supporting a solid Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate and appropriate for the task, successfully conveying the writer's meaning. The student attempts some less common lexical items and phrases such as 'work-life balance', 'well-being', 'exhaustion', and 'job satisfaction'. There is sufficient flexibility and precision to discuss abstract concepts like productivity and mental health. Although the vocabulary is not particularly advanced or sophisticated enough to reach Band 8, it is functional, mostly accurate, and allows the writer to express ideas clearly without significant lexical errors, justifying a Band 6.5 or solid 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or relative clauses like 'Workers can spend more time with their families and friends, which helps them reduce stress'. There is a good variety of grammatical structures used successfully. However, there is a punctuation omission in the fourth paragraph ('...both employees and employers For instance,...') where a period is missing between sentences. Despite occasional minor errors in punctuation and sentence boundary control, the grammar does not impede communication, and frequent error-free sentences are present, making Band 7 an appropriate descriptor for this performance.

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