Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

It is becoming increasingly common for people to pay others to carry out household duties or look after children when they are unwilling or unable to do these tasks themselves. While this practice can create valuable employment opportunities, I believe people should still take responsibility for essential duties whenever possible.

Hiring someone to perform domestic tasks can certainly provide employment for others. Many people earn a living by cleaning houses, preparing meals, gardening or providing childcare. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may have limited qualifications or difficulty finding work in other sectors. In addition, paying for these services allows busy professionals to spend more time at work, which can increase their productivity and contribute to the wider economy. Therefore, there are clear advantages to treating household services as a legitimate form of employment.

However, I do not believe that people should completely depend on others to manage their personal responsibilities. Household chores are an ordinary part of daily life, and doing them independently can teach people important skills such as organisation, time management and responsibility. This is especially important for children, who should gradually learn how to clean, cook and look after their own belongings. Moreover, excessive dependence on domestic workers can be expensive and may reduce people's ability to manage their lives independently.

That said, there are situations in which hiring help is entirely reasonable. People who work long hours, have young children or have other significant responsibilities may simply not have enough time to complete every household task themselves. In such cases, paying someone else is a practical solution rather than a sign of irresponsibility.

In conclusion, employing people to perform household duties is a positive way of creating jobs and can make life more manageable for busy individuals. Nevertheless, people should retain responsibility for basic personal and household tasks and use paid services when there is a genuine need for additional help.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments for providing employment are well-developed, as are the points regarding the personal benefits of performing one's own chores. You also provide a nuanced perspective by acknowledging when hiring help is a practical necessity. The ideas are relevant, well-supported, and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score. The structure is balanced, ensuring that both sides of the question receive adequate attention.

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 paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'However', 'Moreover', and 'That said', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that explore different facets of the topic, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural and consistent throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'legitimate form of employment', 'excessive dependence', and 'practical solution' show a level of precision. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions. 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 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if...') and relative clauses, with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for an advanced level.

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