Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-26

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 7.5)

In today's fast-paced world, many people choose to pay others to complete tasks such as household chores or childcare, rather than doing these jobs themselves. While some believe this creates valuable employment opportunities, others feel individuals should handle their own responsibilities. In my opinion, paying for such services is largely beneficial, provided it is done for the right reasons.

On one hand, hiring people to do household work or look after children can be an effective way of generating employment, particularly for those with limited education or specialised skills. For example, in many countries, domestic work and childcare services provide a stable source of income for millions of workers who might otherwise struggle to find jobs. This arrangement also allows working parents, especially those juggling demanding careers, to manage their time more efficiently and focus on their professional or personal priorities.

On the other hand, some argue that individuals should take responsibility for their own household duties, as it fosters independence and strengthens family bonds. For instance, parents who personally care for their children often develop closer emotional connections with them, something a hired caregiver may not fully replicate. However, this does not mean paying for help is inherently wrong; rather, it depends on personal circumstances, such as financial situation, work commitments, and family needs.

In conclusion, while there are valid reasons for people to manage their own chores and childcare, paying others to do these tasks can be both a practical solution for busy individuals and a meaningful source of employment for others. Ultimately, the decision should be based on what works best for each individual's situation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position on both whether this is a good way to provide work and whether people should do these things themselves. The ideas are relevant and well-supported, such as the mention of economic benefits for low-skilled workers and the emotional benefits of personal childcare. The argument is balanced and consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further extend the discussion by exploring the potential societal implications of outsourcing domestic labor, such as the impact on gender roles or the professionalization of domestic services, which would add more depth to the analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'specialised skills,' 'domestic work,' and 'professional priorities.' While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a band 8 or 9 performance. The word choices are generally precise, and there are no spelling or collocation errors that impede communication. The range is adequate for the task, though it could be expanded with more nuanced synonyms to demonstrate greater flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures, utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively. For instance, the use of conditional clauses ('provided it is done for the right reasons') and relative clauses ('workers who might otherwise struggle') shows control over complex syntax. The punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of the message. The control over grammar is consistent throughout the piece.

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