Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-02

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

It is sometimes possible to pay somebody to do things you don't want to do, or don't have time to do, for example, household chores or looking after children.

Is this a good way of providing work for others?

Should people do these things themselves?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Nowadays, many people hire others to complete tasks such as household chores, gardening, and childcare because they have limited time or do not wish to do these activities themselves. While some argue that people should manage these responsibilities independently, I believe hiring others can be beneficial as long as individuals do not become completely dependent on them.

One significant advantage of paying someone to perform these tasks is that it creates employment opportunities for many people. Domestic work provides a source of income for cleaners, gardeners, caregivers, and other workers, particularly those who may have limited educational qualifications or fewer career opportunities. Moreover, hiring assistance allows busy individuals to focus on important areas of their lives, such as their careers, education, or personal development. As a result, both the person providing the service and the person receiving it can benefit.

However, I believe that certain responsibilities should still be completed by individuals themselves. Basic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and managing household activities are essential life skills that everyone should develop. This is especially true for parents, as spending time with children helps create strong emotional bonds and allows them to provide guidance that cannot always be offered by a paid caregiver.

In my opinion, the most effective approach is to maintain a balance between seeking help and accepting personal responsibility. Hiring someone for time-consuming tasks can be a practical solution for people with demanding schedules; however, individuals should continue to participate in important family and household duties.

In conclusion, paying others to complete certain tasks is a positive way of creating employment and reducing pressure on busy people. Nevertheless, individuals should not completely avoid their own responsibilities because doing so may affect their independence and relationships with family members.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the economic benefit of providing work and the personal necessity of performing household tasks. You maintain a clear position throughout, arguing for a balanced approach. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between creating employment for those with fewer qualifications and the importance of personal involvement in childcare for emotional bonding. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question, providing a logical progression of arguments that support your overall stance. No parts of the prompt are overlooked, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, such as the economic benefits in the second paragraph and the personal responsibilities in the third. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'As a result', 'However', and 'Nevertheless', to link ideas smoothly. The progression of thought is easy to follow, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is natural, contributing to a coherent and well-structured piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'limited educational qualifications', 'emotional bonds', and 'demanding schedules' show a level of precision and natural collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it remains largely functional. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to add nuance. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'While some argue that people should manage these responsibilities independently, I believe hiring others can be beneficial...' and 'This is especially true for parents, as spending time with children helps...'. The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate a solid command of complex grammatical forms, which is consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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