Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-07-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people regard work as the most important thing in life and have little interest in anything else. Other people are more enthusiastic about their hobbies and leisure interests than their jobs.

Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Some people argue that work is the most important aspect of life and that individuals should devote most of their time to it. Others, however, believe that people should use their free time to pursue hobbies and develop interests beyond their careers. While I acknowledge that employment is essential for financial security and professional development, I strongly believe that maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is far more beneficial.

On the one hand, work plays a fundamental role in modern society because it provides people with financial stability and a sense of purpose. A stable income allows individuals to afford daily necessities, pursue higher education and support their families. Furthermore, career progression often requires commitment, perseverance and continuous professional development. For example, doctors, engineers and teachers must dedicate considerable time to improving their knowledge and skills in order to perform their responsibilities effectively. Consequently, prioritising work can lead to greater financial independence and long-term career success.

On the other hand, devoting all one’s time to work may come at the expense of personal well-being. Hobbies, leisure activities and meaningful relationships enable people to reduce stress, maintain good mental health and achieve a more fulfilling lifestyle. In today’s society, many individuals have successfully transformed their hobbies into rewarding careers through digital platforms and entrepreneurship, demonstrating that personal interests can also generate income and professional opportunities. Moreover, spending quality time with family and friends strengthens social bonds and contributes to greater life satisfaction. Therefore, a balanced lifestyle is likely to benefit both individuals and society as a whole.

In conclusion, although work is indispensable because it provides financial security and career opportunities, it should not dominate every aspect of life. I believe that people should also invest time in their passions, relationships and personal development, as true success is measured not only by professional achievements but also by happiness and overall well-being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the importance of work for financial stability and the value of leisure for personal well-being—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of specific professions like doctors and engineers, and the modern trend of turning hobbies into careers. The position is well-maintained from the introduction to the conclusion, demonstrating a strong grasp of the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Consequently.' The use of paragraphing is skillful, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. You use precise terms such as 'financial stability,' 'professional development,' 'indispensable,' and 'social bonds' effectively. The language is natural and conveys your meaning clearly. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to express ideas with precision and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the writing is fluent and professional. The consistent accuracy and the variety of structures used indicate a high level of proficiency.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.