Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-26

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 7.0)

Opinions differ regarding the value of work in contemporary society. While some people regard work as the most important thing in life and have little interest in anything else due to an unstable economy, I believe that being more enthusiastic about hobbies and leisure interests improves overall well-being.

A particularly noteworthy reason why some people regard work as the most important thing in life and have little interest in anything else is its potential to solve economic crises. This can be largely attributed to the fact that the value of goods and services has increased substantially in recent years, which makes most people work more so as to afford their living standards. In practical terms, people require more money to purchase items that were initially cheaper and more affordable. This can be exemplified by the price of fuel, which was raised from $100 to $200 after the COVID-19 pandemic. As a consequence people are forced to concentrate more on their jobs, which may in turn reduce their time for hobbies and leisure.

Nevertheless, it would be unrealistic to overlook the fact that hobbies and leisure interests are beneficial because they can elevate people's overall well-being. As a matter of fact, full time work without breaks can be draining, thus putting more pressure on workers. As a result of this, people need to have time for their hobbies and interests so as to improve their mental well-being. For instance, the life of police officers illustrates how people need to consider their hobbies and leisure interests rather than their jobs, as most of them are stressed with their career.

To conclude, although some individuals regard work as the most important issue in life and have little interest in anything else due to an unstable economy, I believe that being more enthusiastic about hobbies and leisure interests improves overall well-being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both attitudes towards work and hobbies and presenting a clear position throughout. The writer argues that economic pressures drive work obsession, but leisure is necessary for well-being. Ideas are extended and well-supported with relevant explanations, such as the rising cost of living and the impact of stressful careers like policing. While the example of fuel prices doubling specifically is a bit exaggerated, the overall argument remains coherent and fully relevant to the task, fulfilling the Band 7 descriptors well.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response features a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The essay is appropriately divided into four paragraphs: introduction, body paragraph on work, body paragraph on hobbies, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to signal transitions, such as 'While some people', 'This can be largely attributed to', and 'Nevertheless, it would be unrealistic to overlook'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear, ensuring smooth reading from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used appropriately, including 'contemporary society', 'economic crises', 'afford their living standards', and 'elevate people's overall well-being'. Word choice and collocations are generally natural, though there are minor instances of repetition regarding 'overall well-being' and 'hobbies and leisure interests'. Spelling is accurate throughout, and vocabulary is more than adequate to convey precise meanings, aligning comfortably with a Band 7 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. Frequent error-free sentences are present, and the control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, as seen in complex noun phrases and subordinate clauses like 'While some people regard work as the most important thing in life... due to an unstable economy, I believe that...'. Only minor slips occur, and grammar errors do not impede communication at all, showing solid command suitable for Band 7.

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