Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-29

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)

Some people believe that work should be the most important part of life, while others give greater importance to their hobbies and leisure activities. Both attitudes have their own advantages, but I believe that maintaining a balance between work and personal interests is the healthiest approach.

On the one hand, people who focus strongly on their careers may have several benefits. A successful career can provide financial security, professional development and a sense of achievement. For example, doctors, engineers and business owners often need to spend long hours working because their responsibilities require dedication and continuous learning. In addition, people who are highly committed to their jobs may have greater opportunities for promotion and higher salaries. Therefore, making work a major priority can be beneficial, particularly for people who have ambitious career goals or significant financial responsibilities.

On the other hand, some people are more interested in hobbies and leisure activities than in their jobs. Spending time on activities such as playing sports, travelling, reading or meeting friends can help people relax and reduce stress. For instance, an employee who regularly plays cricket or goes for a walk after work may feel more refreshed and motivated the following day. Leisure activities can also improve relationships and allow people to develop interests outside their professional lives. If someone focuses almost entirely on work, they may have less time for family, friends and personal enjoyment, which can negatively affect their overall quality of life.

In my opinion, neither work nor leisure should completely dominate a person's life. Although having a successful career is important for financial stability and personal development, hobbies and free time are equally important for mental well-being and relationships. A person who works hard but also makes time for family, friends and enjoyable activities is more likely to maintain a satisfying and balanced lifestyle.

In conclusion, some people prioritise their careers because of financial and professional benefits, whereas others prefer to devote more time to their hobbies and leisure interests. I believe that the best approach is to give appropriate importance to both work and personal life rather than focusing exclusively on either one.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both attitudes towards work and leisure while clearly stating a personal opinion. The position is well-maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant, well-supported, and extended appropriately with examples such as doctors, engineers, and employees playing cricket. The response meets the criteria for Band 7, as all parts of the prompt are addressed with a clear position and well-developed supporting ideas, avoiding any tendency to over-generalise.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. The introduction sets the stage, body paragraphs explore the two opposing views, and the penultimate paragraph presents the writer's personal stance. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is logical and fully appropriate.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Words and phrases like 'financial security', 'professional development', 'continuous learning', and 'mental well-being' demonstrate a good control of lexical items relevant to the topic. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary, and although the range is mostly standard rather than highly sophisticated, it allows the writer to convey ideas clearly and naturally. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The student displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. Sentences such as 'If someone focuses almost entirely on work, they may have less time for family...' and 'Although having a successful career is important... hobbies and free time are equally important' show good control of subordination and coordination. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and very occasional minor slips that do not impede communication.

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