Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-30

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)

It is argued that working hours should be shortened so that employees can enjoy longer weekends. I strongly agree with this view, as it can improve employees' well-being and benefit employers as well.

The main advantage is that shorter working hours would protect people's physical and mental health. Long working hours can cause exhaustion and stress, which can eventually result in burnout. With an extra day off, employees would have more time to rest, exercise, and enjoy quality time with their families. As a result, they would return to work with more energy and be able to maintain a better work-life balance. For instance, several companies that have trialled a four-day working week have reported lower levels of stress and higher job satisfaction among their staff.

Moreover, a shorter working week can actually increase productivity rather than reduce it. Employees with a refreshed mind can concentrate better and make fewer mistakes, and they are less likely to take sick leave or leave their jobs. In addition, businesses can save money on running costs, such as electricity and office space. On the other hand, longer weekends could encourage people to spend more money on travel, restaurants, and leisure activities, which could boost the wider economy. Apart from this, some critics argue that services such as hospitals should not close for an extra day. However, this problem can be solved by organising staff into rotating shifts.

In conclusion, shorter working hours would bring significant benefits to employees, employers, and society. For this reason, I suggest that governments and companies should consider this change to improve productivity and efficiency among workers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout. The writer presents relevant and well-developed ideas concerning both employee well-being and economic or organizational benefits. For example, the argument that shorter hours protect physical and mental health is supported by logical consequences and a relevant real-world example regarding companies trialling a four-day working week. Counterarguments, such as the operational needs of hospitals, are also acknowledged and effectively addressed through the suggestion of rotating shifts. The ideas are extended and supported appropriately, aligning well with the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response features a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from health benefits to productivity and economic impacts, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'The main advantage is', 'Moreover', and 'On the other hand', ensuring that relationships between ideas are clear. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate different facets of the argument. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, contributing to an overall coherent and easy-to-follow structure that satisfies the requirements for a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic essay. Phrases such as 'maintain a better work-life balance', 'higher levels of stress', and 'boost the wider economy' are used naturally and accurately. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items, including 'exhaustion', 'burnout', and 'rotating shifts'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate, with only rare minor inappropriacies that do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are entirely correct throughout the piece, placing this performance firmly in the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences featuring conditional clauses ('if they are less likely...'), relative clauses ('that have trialled...'), and nominal clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of punctuation and tense consistency is strong. For instance, the use of modal verbs such as 'would', 'can', and 'should' is handled accurately to express hypotheses, possibilities, and recommendations. While there is a slight tendency to rely on straightforward complex structures rather than highly sophisticated syntactic variety, the frequency and control of error-free sentences easily justify a Band 7.5 score.

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