Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

It is often argued that the working week should be reduced so that employees can enjoy an extended weekend. I agree with this statement because less work in a week can enhance workers' well-being and contribute to a significant increase in productivity.

One of the reasons I believe that the working week should be shorter than usual is that this strategy helps workers maintain better mental and physical health. Furthermore, during long weekends, most workers spend their time with family and friends, which helps them relieve stress and improve their overall well-being. Most employees spend their free time involving themselves in physical activities such as running and going on road trips; therefore, they can experience new environments. For example, many global companies have shorter working weeks and provide their employees with the basic amenities they need during their weekends. Some companies also allow their employees to work remotely for two to three days a week.

Moreover, a shorter working week and an extended weekend can boost the productivity of employees. This can motivate them, and well-rested employees are more relaxed, so they can focus better on their work. They can use their competencies in the right direction. As a result, better outcomes can be produced. For instance, companies that provide flexible working schedules can encourage their employees to work with greater determination and concentration.

In conclusion, I believe that an extended weekend and a shortened working week are more beneficial for the overall well-being of employees and can lead to higher productivity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear position that the working week should be shorter and defending it with relevant arguments. The student presents two main supporting pillars: enhanced physical and mental well-being, and increased productivity. Ideas are extended and supported with examples, such as mentioning global companies with flexible schedules and remote working arrangements. While the supporting examples remain somewhat generalised rather than drawing from highly specific personal experiences, they are entirely relevant and sufficiently developed to satisfy the requirements of the prompt, maintaining a clear overall progression throughout the essay. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from a clear introduction to well-signposted body paragraphs using cohesive markers like 'One of the reasons', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct arguments. Referencing is generally clear, and cohesive devices are employed flexibly without feeling overly mechanical, despite occasional minor generalisations in how examples are linked. Overall, the structure facilitates a smooth and easy reading experience, fitting the Band 7 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'well-being', 'amenities', 'competencies', and 'determination'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are some slightly repetitive phrasings like 'spend their time' and 'overall well-being'. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the text, and communication is never impeded. While it lacks the stylistic sophistication and precise collocation of a higher band, the lexical control displayed is solid and steady, justifying a Band 6.5 or a stable Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and conditional structures such as 'One of the reasons I believe that... is that this strategy helps...' and '...well-rested employees are more relaxed, so they can focus better...'. There is a reasonable frequency of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are handled with general competence. Minor lapses do not impede communication. Although the range of complex structures could be slightly wider to reach higher bands, the grammatical control shown is consistent and secure at this level.

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