Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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 7.5)

In recent years, an increasing number of individuals have opted to become self-employed rather than seeking positions within traditional companies or organizations. This essay will discuss the primary drivers behind this shifting professional preference—chiefly autonomy and financial potential—before examining the significant drawbacks, including income instability and the administrative burdens that independent workers must bear.The primary catalyst for choosing self-employment is the unparalleled autonomy it offers. Unlike corporate employees, who must adhere to rigid schedules and management hierarchies, independent workers have the freedom to dictate their own hours, select their clients, and work from any location. For instance, the proliferation of digital platforms has allowed software developers and graphic designers to operate as remote freelancers, choosing projects that align with their personal interests. Furthermore, self-employment removes the earning ceilings often imposed by corporate salary structures; independent business owners retain the direct profits of their labor, meaning their income is bounded only by their productivity and market demand.However, these benefits are countered by severe financial risks and a lack of job security. The most prominent disadvantage of self-employment is income unpredictability, commonly referred to as a "feast or famine" cycle. Freelancers and small business owners routinely face months of low cash flow due to market downturns or delayed client payments, whereas corporate employees enjoy a predictable salary. Additionally, self-employed individuals are entirely responsible for self-funding their medical insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. In organizational employment, these crucial safety nets are typically covered or heavily subsidized by the employer.Beyond financial insecurity, running an independent venture imposes heavy administrative demands that can lead to professional burnout. A self-employed professional cannot simply focus on their core skill; they must simultaneously act as their own accountant, marketing director, and legal advisor. Managing taxes, chasing unpaid invoices, and constantly pitching for new business require immense time and discipline. Without a dedicated support team or the structured environment of a corporate office, this relentless multitasking frequently results in isolation and prolonged stress.In conclusion, while the allure of professional independence an

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the rise in self-employment, such as autonomy and financial potential, and provide a balanced discussion of the disadvantages, specifically income instability and administrative burdens. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of software developers and the 'feast or famine' cycle. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the arguments are logically extended. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits and drawbacks is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Additionally', which help to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'unparalleled autonomy', 'earning ceilings', 'administrative burdens', and 'relentless multitasking' show a high level of lexical control. The collocation is natural, and you avoid repetition by using varied terminology. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional-like structures, relative clauses, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. The use of complex sentence forms is consistent and accurate, contributing to the overall fluency of the writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader, and the tone remains formal and professional throughout.

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