Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-28

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)

Many people believe that the traditional five-day working week is outdated and that workers should enjoy a longer weekend. I agree with this view because a shorter working week can improve employees' well-being, increase productivity, and create a better work-life balance.

Firstly, a longer weekend allows workers to rest and recover from the stress of their jobs. Modern workplaces can be demanding, and many employees experience fatigue and burnout. Having an extra day off would give people more time to relax, spend time with family, and pursue hobbies. As a result, they would return to work feeling refreshed and motivated.

Secondly, a shorter working week can lead to higher productivity. When employees have limited working hours, they often manage their time more efficiently and focus better on important tasks. Studies have shown that well-rested workers tend to perform better than those who work long hours. Therefore, companies may benefit from improved efficiency and higher-quality work.

Finally, a longer weekend can contribute to a healthier society. People would have more time for exercise, social activities, and personal development. This could reduce stress-related health problems and improve overall happiness. In addition, parents would be able to spend more time with their children, strengthening family relationships.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that the working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. Such a change would improve workers' health, boost productivity, and enhance the quality of life for many people.

Word Count: 245

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the response, fully addressing the prompt regarding whether the working week should be shorter. The ideas are extended and supported logically in the body paragraphs, covering well-being, productivity, and societal benefits. For example, the student explains how limited working hours force employees to manage time efficiently and focus better. However, a penalty must be applied to Task Achievement because the response fails to meet the minimum length requirement, containing 243 words instead of the required 250 words. Despite this shortfall in length, the overall task fulfillment remains strong in terms of content and argumentation, warranting a band score of 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, introduced effectively with cohesive markers such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Finally', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing and substitution are managed well, and paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. For instance, the transition from individual well-being in paragraph two to productivity in paragraph three is smooth and easy to follow. Cohesion is functional and natural without being overly mechanical. This meets the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, such as 'outdated', 'fatigue and burnout', 'efficiently', and 'stress-related health problems'. There is an awareness of collocation and style, evident in phrases like 'pursue hobbies' and 'strengthening family relationships'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and communicative, it lacks the more sophisticated or uncommon lexical items characteristic of higher bands. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, supporting a solid Band 7.0 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a variety of complex structures alongside simple ones. Examples of complex sentences include 'When employees have limited working hours, they often manage their time more efficiently...' and 'Studies have shown that well-rested workers tend to perform better than those who work long hours.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The minor grammatical inaccuracies are absent, and control over complex syntax is well-maintained, justifying a band score of 7.0.

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