Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays many large international companies offer their staff the opportunity to spend a period of time living and working in another country.

Why might this opportunity be good for employees?

What advantages does this development have for companies?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Nowadays, many large international companies give their employees the opportunity to live and work in another country for a certain period. This can be beneficial for both employees and employers because workers can gain valuable international experience, while companies can improve cooperation between their branches.

For employees, working in a foreign branch can provide an opportunity to experience a different culture and working environment. They can develop new professional skills by working with colleagues who may have different approaches to solving problems. In addition, living abroad can make employees more independent and adaptable. They can explore the country during their free time and gain experiences that would not be possible in their home country. These international experiences can also strengthen their CVs and potentially help them qualify for better positions and higher salaries in the future.

Companies can also gain several advantages from this arrangement. Firstly, employees from different branches can exchange knowledge and develop new ideas by working together. This can be particularly useful when a company is trying to solve a complicated problem. For example, an international technology company might have an unresolved software problem for several years, but employees from two different countries could approach it from different perspectives and eventually find a solution. Secondly, allowing employees to work overseas can strengthen their relationship with the company, as staff may feel that their employer trusts them and is willing to invest in their professional development. This can encourage them to remain motivated and productive.

In conclusion, working in another country can help employees develop professional and personal skills while giving them valuable international experience. At the same time, companies can benefit from knowledge sharing, stronger employee relationships and new solutions to existing problems. Therefore, this opportunity can be mutually beneficial when it is properly managed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly explaining both why the opportunity is good for employees and what advantages it brings to companies. For instance, the writer discusses professional skill development, cultural exposure, and career advancement for workers, while highlighting knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and employee loyalty as benefits for companies. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as an international technology company solving an unresolved software problem through cross-border collaboration. The position is clear throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt requirements and satisfying the band descriptors for a well-rounded response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and the essay displays a clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction, moving to employee benefits, then company advantages, and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'In addition' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is managed skilfully and supports the overall structure of the response, aligning well with the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally precise range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Less common lexical items are used effectively, such as 'professional development', 'cross-border', 'interpersonal', and 'mutually beneficial'. Word choices and collocations are accurate, with phrases like 'international experience' and 'different perspectives' used naturally. While the vocabulary is not overly exotic or academic throughout every sentence, it easily meets the criteria for Band 7 by showing flexibility, appropriate style, and very few minor errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining strong control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include subordinate clauses and conditional constructions like 'This can be particularly useful when a company is trying to solve a complicated problem.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. Minor slips are virtually absent, and grammatical accuracy remains high throughout, supporting clear communication and justifying a solid band score in this category.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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