Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-31

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)

Introduction

In many societies, people can hire others to carry out household responsibilities that they either dislike or do not have enough time to complete. While some argue that this creates valuable employment opportunities, others believe that individuals should manage these responsibilities themselves. In my view, hiring others is beneficial when it allows people to use their time more effectively, although personal responsibilities should not be completely outsourced.

Body Paragraph 1

On the one hand, paying someone to perform household tasks can provide useful employment opportunities. Many people earn a living by cleaning houses, preparing meals, gardening or looking after children. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have limited qualifications or difficulty finding work in other sectors. In addition, hiring domestic workers can allow busy professionals to concentrate on their careers and spend more quality time with their families. For example, a working couple may employ a cleaner to manage household chores while they focus on their jobs and children.

Body Paragraph 2

On the other hand, people should still take responsibility for some household duties themselves. Doing everyday tasks can teach children and adults important skills such as cooking, cleaning and managing a home. Moreover, relying too heavily on others may create unnecessary expenses and reduce people's independence. For instance, adults who regularly cook their own meals are more likely to develop healthier eating habits and control their spending. Nevertheless, I believe that outsourcing occasional tasks is reasonable when people genuinely lack the time to complete them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, employing others to perform household duties can create worthwhile jobs and help busy people manage their time. However, individuals should retain responsibility for essential tasks and only outsource duties when doing so provides a genuine practical benefit.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly presented your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Both questions—whether this provides work for others and whether people should do these things themselves—are explored with relevant, well-developed ideas. For instance, you effectively contrast the economic benefits of domestic employment with the personal development benefits of performing one's own chores. The arguments are logical and supported by clear examples, such as the mention of working couples and the development of healthy habits. Your response is balanced and directly answers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Moreover'. The paragraphing is logical, moving from the benefits of outsourcing to the importance of personal responsibility, and concluding with a balanced summary. The use of referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is natural, making the text very easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'outsourced', 'domestic workers', 'retain responsibility', and 'practical benefit'. The language is natural and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it could be elevated further to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and shows a good level of flexibility and precision in your word choices.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions effectively, such as 'while they focus on their jobs' and 'when people genuinely lack the time'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control over complex structures. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a solid grasp of English grammar, which is consistent throughout the entire response.

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