Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-26

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 5.5)

There are ongoing argument about whether the people should emphasize more on the work or leisure period activity more important . However , I strongly support the former view and this essay intends to discuss both views .

There are many significant reasons regarding why people have to give importance on their profession . Firstly , people wanted to success in their life which is impossible without works . After completing their studies , they are searching job on the job market so that they take responsibilities of the families and become financially independence . As a result , they enter the job and lead better standard life . For example , if any person work in the company , they get higher salary which helps them to become successful . Another reason is that if any people does not work as an employee , they have chance to involve in criminal activity . They spend their time unnecessary work and meet with stranger . Once a time they addicted on drugs and becomes criminal . Consequently , their families suffer financial crisis and live under poverty .

On the other hand , some people that people should do the activities which are they interest . In research it was found that the People who are spend a special moment with their favourite task live a longer lives . This is because it allows them to remain pleasant and they consider themselves as they are equally important persons like others . They feel sense of satisfaction by doing these . Furthermore , people become humble and polite because they are delighted for their hobbies and show gratitudes for all other people . By doing these activity their mind become refresh which helps them to concentrate more on goal .

In conclusion , although people should spend time on their leisure activities , they have to focus more on their works because it act as a blessing for their lives , for this reason I agree with the first view.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. The argument regarding work is supported by a rather extreme claim—that those who do not work are likely to become criminals—which lacks nuance and logical depth. The second paragraph on hobbies is better developed, though the link between hobbies and 'gratitude' is slightly tenuous. To reach a higher band, you should focus on providing more balanced, realistic justifications for your arguments rather than relying on generalizations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'Once a time they addicted on drugs'. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly in the second paragraph where the subject of the sentences shifts abruptly. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the flow of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'leisure period activity', 'searching job on the job market', and 'unnecessary work'. Some phrases are repetitive, and the use of 'gratitudes' (plural) is incorrect. To improve, you should focus on learning collocations (e.g., 'seek employment' rather than 'searching job') and using more sophisticated vocabulary to express abstract concepts related to work-life balance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('people that people should do', 'they addicted on drugs'), article usage ('the people', 'the job market'), and tense inconsistencies. For example, 'if any person work in the company' should be 'works'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would be highly beneficial.

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