Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-27

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)

In contemporary society, an increasing number of people choose to pay others to perform household chores that they are either unable or unwilling to undertake themselves. This is often the result of demanding work schedules, family commitments or health-related limitations. In my view, this is a positive development because it provides employment opportunities while enabling people to use their time more efficiently.

One major advantage of paying others to undertake household tasks is that it creates employment for people who provide domestic services. Individuals may require assistance with cleaning, gardening, lawn maintenance or childcare, and this creates a source of income for cleaners, gardeners, babysitters and other service providers. This can be particularly beneficial for young adults and people seeking flexible employment. For example, an elderly person who is physically unable to maintain their garden can hire a local gardener, thereby obtaining necessary assistance while providing another individual with a means of earning a living. Consequently, this arrangement can benefit both parties and contribute to the wider economy.

Another reason why people should not necessarily perform every household task themselves is that outsourcing such responsibilities can allow them to devote more time to important priorities. Modern lifestyles can be extremely demanding, particularly for working parents who have to balance employment, childcare and other family responsibilities. Paying someone to clean the house or look after children can reduce their workload and give them more time to rest, spend time with their families or concentrate on their careers. Although excessive reliance on domestic services could potentially make some individuals less self-reliant, this is largely a matter of personal choice and does not outweigh the practical benefits of obtaining assistance when necessary.

In conclusion, paying other people to perform household chores is, in my opinion, a positive development. It not only creates employment and income-generating opportunities but also enables individuals with busy schedules or physical limitations to manage their time more effectively. Therefore, people should be free to outsource household responsibilities when doing so improves their quality of life.

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. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of an elderly person hiring a gardener and the pressures faced by working parents. The ideas are extended logically, providing a balanced view that acknowledges potential downsides like reduced self-reliance while ultimately supporting the benefits of outsourcing. The response is focused and directly answers the questions asked, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

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 'Consequently', 'Another reason', and 'Although', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The referencing is clear throughout, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'contemporary society', 'demanding work schedules', 'income-generating opportunities', and 'outsource household responsibilities' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a strong performance. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although excessive reliance... this is largely a matter of personal choice'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a variety of tenses and sentence types effectively to convey your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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