Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-24
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 5.5)
THESE DAYS, SOME INDIVIDUALS WANTS TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY IN TERMS TO TO CHOOSE WORK FOR OFFICES OR MENUFACTURAR COMPANY. THIS MIGHT BE HAPPENS DUE TO PERSON WANT TO FREEDOM OF WORKING TIME AND WANT TO EXECUTE THEIR OWN IDEAS IN REAL LIFE IN FOLLOWING PARAGRAPHS IT WOULD BE EXPALIN IN DETAIL WITH WHAT ARE CONCEQUNCES OF THIS TREND.
TO COMMENCE WITH, A BELIEF OF WORKING AS A SELF-EMPLOYED HAVE BEEN INCREASING THESE TIME BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE HAVE A TON OF IDEAS WHICH WOULD BE HELPFUL IN PERSON'S DAILY LIFE AND SOCIETY SO, THEY WANT TO EXECUTE THOSE INTO REAL WORLD. MOREOVER SOME OF THEM HOPING IT TO MAKE THEIR OWN PRODUCT WHICH CAN FEEL THEM PROUD. FOR INSTANCE, A PERSON WHO INVENTED A SMART PHONE AND RIGHT NOW IT INCLUDES IN PEOPLE DAY TO DAY LIFE AS WELL AS IT SHARES MAJOR IN ECONOMY. FURTHERMORE, FEW PEOPLE WANTS TO WORK FREELY AND WHERE THEY DO WORK WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTION OF TIME AND PLACE.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE ARE SHORT OF DRAWBACKS CAN BE FACE IF PERSON CHOOSE LEAVE THEIR CURRENT EMPLOYMENT AND WORK AS FREELANCER WITHOUT FURTHER PREPARATION AND CALCULATING RISK WHICH CAN THEY MIGHT FACE IN FUTURE. IN ADDITION TO, IN THERE WORK MONEY IS ENVOLVE THEN IT MIGHT BE CHANCE THEY CAN FACE A FINANCIAL LOSSES IF IDEAS GONE WRONG. AS A RESULT, THEY CAN LOOSE THEIR SAVINGS OR SOMEHOW IT TURN INTO TO DO UNUSUAL SUCIDIAL STEPS.
IN CONCLUSION, WORKING AS INDEPENDENT PERSON IT CAN HELPS TO EXECUTE THEIR IDEAS AND INCREASE THEIR EARNINGS WHEREAS, IN THIS CASE MONEY IS INCLUDED THEN THEN PERSON SHOULD PLAY A SAFER SIDE.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both parts of the prompt: reasons for self-employment and the potential disadvantages. However, the development is limited. The ideas, such as the desire for freedom or the risk of financial loss, are introduced but lack depth or specific, well-explained examples. The example of the smartphone inventor is vague and does not clearly illustrate why someone chooses self-employment over traditional work. The position is clear, but the overall response feels somewhat superficial, failing to fully explore the complexities of the topic. To improve, you should expand on your points with more detailed explanations and logical reasoning.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'IN ADDITION TO, IN THERE WORK MONEY IS ENVOLVE'. There are also issues with referencing and logical flow between sentences. Some transitions feel forced or are used incorrectly, which disrupts the progression of ideas. While the essay is coherent enough to be understood, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the occasional confusion in sentence relationships prevent a higher score. Improving the variety and accuracy of your transition signals will significantly enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic terms. There are frequent errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'MENUFACTURAR', 'CONCEQUNCES', 'ENVOLVE', and 'SUCIDIAL'. These errors sometimes make it difficult for the reader to grasp the intended meaning immediately. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to express complex ideas with precision. To achieve a higher band, you need to focus on learning more academic collocations and ensuring that you use words in their correct context. Expanding your vocabulary beyond basic, everyday language is essential for higher-level writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede communication. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('SOME INDIVIDUALS WANTS'), incorrect verb tenses, and awkward sentence structures ('THIS MIGHT BE HAPPENS'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, and there is a lack of complex sentence structures. While you attempt to use some complex ideas, the grammatical control is weak, leading to sentences that are difficult to parse. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of articles and prepositions before attempting more complex grammatical forms.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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