Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-14

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)

In recent years, there has been considerable debate about whether the working week should be shortened so that employees can enjoy a longer weekend. While some people believe that maintaining the traditional work schedule is necessary for productivity, I strongly agree that a shorter working week is beneficial because it improves employees' well-being and can increase workplace efficiency.

The primary reason why I agree is that a longer weekend allows workers to rest and recover from the pressures of their jobs. This is because continuous work without sufficient breaks often leads to stress, fatigue, and burnout. For example, employees who have three days off each week have more time to spend with their families, exercise, and pursue personal interests. As a result, they return to work feeling refreshed, healthier, and more motivated.

Another important point is that a shorter working week can improve productivity. In other words, when employees have a better work-life balance, they tend to be more focused and efficient during working hours. A good illustration of this is companies that have introduced a four-day working week and reported higher employee satisfaction along with improved performance. Therefore, reducing working hours does not necessarily decrease productivity; instead, it can encourage people to work more effectively.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that the working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Although some people worry about reduced working hours, I believe that better physical and mental well-being, together with higher productivity, makes this change highly beneficial for both employees and employers

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear, well-developed position on whether the working week should be shortened. The writer presents a strong introduction outlining agreement, and supports this with two distinct main body paragraphs focusing on well-being and productivity respectively. Ideas are extended with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of employees having more time for families, exercise, and personal interests, as well as companies introducing a four-day working week. The conclusion neatly summarizes the main points without introducing new information. The overall approach demonstrates a strong understanding of Task 2 requirements, earning a solid band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-defined introduction, followed by logically sequenced body paragraphs, and ending with an appropriate conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link ideas, such as 'The primary reason why I agree', 'As a result', and 'Another important point'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct arguments. Although referencing is mostly clear and mechanical errors in cohesion are minimal, the cohesive devices lean slightly toward standard formulas rather than highly flexible advanced cohesive structures, comfortably securing a band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion on work-life balance. Words and phrases such as 'considerable debate', 'continuous work', 'fatigue', 'burnout', and 'work-life balance' show good control and precision. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items like 'motivation' and 'efficiency'. While the vocabulary is generally natural and precise enough to convey the argument clearly without impeding communication, it lacks the broader flexibility and consistently sophisticated use of uncommon idiomatic or academic collocations required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or relative clauses such as 'employees who have three days off each week have more time to spend...' and 'when employees have a better work-life balance, they tend to be more focused...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is well-managed. There are very few errors, and those that do occur do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control shown throughout the essay strongly reflects the descriptors for Band 7, demonstrating good control of complex structures alongside frequent error-free sentences.

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