Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-05

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 8.0)

Many people today choose to pay others to complete tasks such as household chores, gardening, or childcare because they have busy schedules or lack the necessary skills. While this practice creates employment opportunities, I believe people should still take responsibility for certain tasks themselves, particularly those involving their families.

On the one hand, hiring others to perform domestic duties is an effective way of creating jobs and supporting the economy. Many people earn a living by working as cleaners, gardeners, babysitters, or caregivers. These jobs provide income for individuals who may not have access to highly skilled professions. In addition, outsourcing routine tasks allows professionals to focus on their careers, which can increase productivity and contribute to economic growth. For example, a doctor or business owner may choose to employ a cleaner so they can spend more time serving patients or managing their company.

On the other hand, I believe some responsibilities should not be delegated. Looking after children, in particular, is an important duty that helps parents build strong emotional bonds with their families. Although babysitters can provide temporary care when necessary, they cannot replace the guidance, affection, and values that parents pass on to their children. Likewise, carrying out simple household chores can encourage family members to share responsibilities, develop practical life skills, and appreciate the effort required to maintain a home.

In my opinion, paying others to perform certain tasks is beneficial when people genuinely lack the time or expertise to complete them. However, it should not become a habit that prevents individuals from fulfilling their personal and family responsibilities. A balanced approach, in which essential family duties are handled personally while less important or specialised tasks are outsourced, offers the greatest benefits to both individuals and society.

In conclusion, employing others for household work creates valuable employment opportunities and can improve efficiency. Nevertheless, people should continue to take responsibility for important aspects of family life, especially raising their children and sharing everyday household duties.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly articulate a position that acknowledges the economic benefits of outsourcing while arguing for the importance of personal involvement in family-related tasks. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between professional services and the emotional necessity of parental involvement. You provide relevant examples, such as the doctor employing a cleaner, which effectively illustrates your point. The argument is consistent throughout, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the potential negative societal impacts of over-outsourcing, such as the erosion of community self-reliance, to add even more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the economic benefits and the personal responsibilities is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Likewise', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different facets of the argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear. The structure is highly effective, guiding the reader through your argument without any confusion or mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'outsourcing routine tasks', 'emotional bonds', and 'highly skilled professions' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choice is generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it stays within a relatively standard range. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced or idiomatic collocations to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure in the final paragraph: 'A balanced approach, in which essential family duties are handled personally... offers the greatest benefits'. Punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is generally error-free. The majority of your sentences are clear and well-formed. The grammar is consistent and supports the clarity of your argument. There are no major errors that distract the reader, and the control over complex structures is solid.

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