Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-13

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)

hether the working week should be shortened to provide employees with a longer weekend is a topic of heated debate. I strongly believe that reducing the number of working days would be beneficial because it could improve workers' productivity, mental well-being and family life.

The primary reason for supporting this idea is that longer weekends could help workers restore their energy, making them feel more refreshed and motivated when they return to work. As a result, they may become more productive and perform their duties more efficiently. For example, companies that have introduced shorter working weeks in some countries have reported improvements in employee productivity and job satisfaction. Although businesses with fewer working days may initially be concerned about reduced productivity, employees who have sufficient time to rest are likely to be more energetic and focused than those who work for longer periods without adequate breaks.

Another major reason to support shorter working weeks is that longer weekends could give employees more valuable time to spend with their families. This could strengthen family relationships and improve workers' overall mood and well-being. Having sufficient leisure time can also help people reduce stress and maintain a healthier balance between their professional and personal lives. Consequently, employees may experience lower levels of work-related stress and develop stronger relationships with their family members.

However, reducing the number of working days could result in unfinished tasks because employees would have less time to complete their weekly responsibilities. Nevertheless, I believe that this problem could be addressed through better time management and more efficient working practices. Therefore, the potential disadvantages should not outweigh the benefits of a shorter working week.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that reducing the number of working days would be beneficial for employees' productivity, mental well-being and family life. Although there may be some concerns about completing all necessary tasks, employers and regulatory authorities could address these issues through effective planning and time management.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear, well-developed position on whether the working week should be shortened. The student establishes a strong stance in the introduction, arguing that shorter working weeks improve productivity, well-being, and family life. Each body paragraph explores a distinct, relevant sub-theme, such as energy restoration, productivity boosts, and family relationships, and these ideas are suitably extended with logical explanations and examples. Furthermore, the counter-argument is thoughtfully addressed and rebutted in the fourth paragraph, which demonstrates a well-rounded engagement with the topic. The conclusion neatly reiterates the primary position without unnecessary repetition. Overall, the task response is comprehensive, cohesive, and fulfills all the requirements of an academic essay, justifying a solid band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory thesis statement, followed by well-structured body paragraphs, and concluding with a concise summary. The student uses cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'As a result', 'Although', 'Another major reason', 'Consequently', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing throughout the text is clear. While some of the cohesive links are fairly standard, they are handled flexibly and without mechanical over-use. The logical flow is maintained from start to finish, ensuring an easy and coherent reading experience that aligns well with the band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for clear and precise expression. Examples of effective phrasing include 'heated debate', 'mental well-being', 'restore their energy', 'job satisfaction', and 'work-related stress'. The writer also attempts less common items and demonstrates some awareness of collocation and style, such as 'regulatory authorities' and 'efficient working practices'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and communicative, it does not consistently reach the level of flexibility and sophisticated control required for higher bands, containing mostly standard academic phrases rather than advanced or idiomatic expressions. However, spelling and word choice are accurate, causing no impediment to understanding, which firmly places this response in the band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses introduced by words like 'Although' and 'Because'. There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation throughout. Complex constructions such as 'Although businesses with fewer working days may initially be concerned about reduced productivity, employees who have sufficient time to rest are likely to be more energetic...' are handled accurately and fluently. Minor slips or awkward turns of phrase are virtually absent, and the grammar supports clear communication of complex ideas. The overall control of syntax and punctuation meets the criteria for a high band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.