Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays many people choose to be self-employed, rather than to work for a company or organisation.

Why might this be the case?

What could be the disadvantages of being self-employed?

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

Student answer (Band 7.0)

In recent years, an increasing number of people have chosen to become self-employed instead of working for a company or organisation. This trend has been driven by several factors, including the desire for greater independence and the growth of digital technology. However, despite its advantages, self-employment also comes with a number of significant drawbacks.

One of the main reasons people prefer self-employment is the freedom it offers. Unlike traditional employees, self-employed individuals have greater control over their working hours, workload, and business decisions. This flexibility allows them to achieve a better work-life balance and pursue projects that match their interests and skills. In addition, advances in technology and the internet have made it easier than ever to start a business. For example, many people now earn a living through online freelancing, e-commerce, or content creation without needing a large initial investment. Another important motivation is the potential for higher earnings. Business owners and freelancers are not limited by fixed salaries and can increase their income if their businesses are successful.

Despite these benefits, self-employment also presents several challenges. The most significant disadvantage is financial uncertainty. Unlike salaried employees, self-employed people often experience irregular income, particularly during the early stages of their business. They may also struggle to find clients or compete with established companies. Furthermore, self-employed individuals usually do not receive employment benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, or retirement pensions, making long-term financial planning more difficult. Another disadvantage is the increased level of responsibility. Running a business requires managing finances, marketing, customer service, and legal matters, all of which can be stressful and time-consuming.

In conclusion, although self-employment provides greater flexibility, independence, and the opportunity to earn more, it also involves considerable risks, including unstable income, lack of employee benefits, and increased pressure. Therefore, individuals should carefully consider both the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether self-employment is the right career path for them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the rise in self-employment, such as the desire for autonomy and the impact of digital technology, and provide a balanced discussion on the disadvantages, specifically financial instability and the lack of corporate benefits. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as online freelancing and e-commerce. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The response is well-structured and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs—one for reasons and one for disadvantages—and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'However' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth, making the argument easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'financial uncertainty', 'long-term financial planning', and 'established companies' show a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used with precision, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully avoid repetition and use a variety of terms to express complex ideas, which contributes to the overall clarity and sophistication of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Unlike salaried employees, self-employed people often experience...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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