Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-06

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 6.5)

In the contemporary era, an increasing number of individuals are opting to pursue self-employment over traditional corporate roles. This shift is primarily driven by the desire for professional autonomy and the expansion of digital opportunities, though it is accompanied by notable drawbacks regarding financial instability and a blurred work -life balance.

There are two primary reasons why people are drawn to working for themselves. First, and foremost is the pursuit of independence and flexibility. Traditional employment often binds workers to rigid 9 to 5 schedules, micromanagement, and fixed corporate structures. Self-employment, by contrast, empowers individuals to set their own hours, select projects that align with their personal interest, and dictate their work environment. Secondly, the rapid rise of technology and the internet has made entrepreneurship far more accessible. With just a computer and a reliable internet connection, individuals can easily launch e -commerce brands, work as freelance consultants, or monetize content globally without needing substantial upfront capital or corporate backing.

However, despite these appealing advantages, self-employment carries significant disadvantages. The most prominent downside is the lack of guaranteed income and financial security. Unlike corporate employees who receive a steady, predictable monthly salary along with benefits such as paid sick leave, health insurance, and retirement contributions, self - employed workers face erratic cash flows. A bad business month can result in severe financial strain. Additionally, the boundary between professional and personal life often dissolves. Because entrepreneurs are solely responsible for every facet of their operation from marketing to client management they frequently work excessively long hours, leading to heightened stress, isolation, and eventual burnout.

To sum up, the trend toward self-employment is fueled by a desire for personal freedom and enabled by modern digital platforms. Nevertheless, anyone choosing this path must weigh these freedoms against the serious risks of financial unpredictability and the potential for a stressful, high-pressure lifestyle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the rise in self-employment, specifically focusing on autonomy and technological accessibility. The disadvantages, namely financial instability and work-life balance issues, are also well-developed and supported with relevant examples. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-extended, providing a balanced view that meets the requirements of the task effectively. No parts of the prompt were neglected, and the response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First, and foremost,' 'By contrast,' and 'Additionally,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the prompt. The logical flow is consistent, and the use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the relationship between ideas is always clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'contemporary era,' 'professional autonomy,' 'erratic cash flows,' and 'monetize content' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used is natural and appropriate for the task. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey complex ideas with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain the reader's interest. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high. The use of participial phrases and subordinating conjunctions demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, consistent with a high band score.

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