Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-20

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)

Nowadays, many people hire others to complete tasks they dislike or cannot fit into their busy schedules, such as cleaning their homes or looking after their children. In my opinion, this arrangement can create useful employment and make people’s lives easier. However, individuals should still complete some basic responsibilities themselves whenever possible.

Paying for domestic services provides income for many people, especially those who may not have formal qualifications. Cleaners, gardeners, babysitters and caregivers can earn a living by offering their practical skills. At the same time, their customers can concentrate on their careers, studies or families. For example, parents who both work full-time may employ a babysitter for several hours each day. This allows the parents to continue working while providing an income to another person. Therefore, this arrangement can benefit both sides, provided that workers are paid fairly and treated respectfully.

On the other hand, it may not be beneficial to pay someone for every small duty. Completing household chores teaches people valuable qualities such as independence, responsibility and time management. Parents who always employ someone to clean their home may also fail to teach their children how to take care of their own surroundings. Furthermore, doing these tasks personally can save money and encourage family members to share responsibilities.

Nevertheless, it is unrealistic to expect everyone to perform every task themselves. People who work long hours, elderly individuals and parents with young children may genuinely require assistance. In these situations, hiring a reliable person is a sensible choice.

In conclusion, paying others to perform certain tasks is a positive way of creating employment. However, people should manage ordinary responsibilities themselves when they have sufficient time and ability, while hiring help when it is genuinely necessary.

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 regarding the economic benefits of hiring help and the personal development benefits of doing chores yourself are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of working parents. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your points. The ideas are extended logically, and the balance between the two sides of the argument is handled well, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements. No parts of the prompt are overlooked, and the response is consistently focused on the topic.

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, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the structure of an IELTS essay. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the development of your argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'formal qualifications', 'genuinely require assistance', and 'ordinary responsibilities' show a good command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is generally functional rather than highly sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise collocations or less common idiomatic expressions. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('provided that workers are paid fairly') and participial phrases. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that hinder the reader's understanding. You demonstrate a high level of accuracy, with only very minor or occasional slips, which is consistent with a strong performance. The mix of simple and complex structures is well-balanced, contributing to a fluent and professional tone throughout the piece.

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