Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Employers sometimes ask people applying for jobs for personal information, such as their hobbies and interests, and whether they are married or single. Some people say that this information may be relevant and useful. Others disagree.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Employers today often request personal information from job applicants, such as their hobbies, interests, and marital status. Some people believe that these details can help companies make better hiring decisions, while others argue that such questions are unnecessary and invade privacy. In my view, personal information can be useful in certain situations, but employers should be careful not to ask for details that are irrelevant to the job.

Those who support collecting personal information argue that it helps employers understand a candidate more holistically. For example, hobbies and interests can reveal important qualities such as creativity, teamwork, or discipline. A person who regularly plays sports may demonstrate strong teamwork skills, while someone who enjoys reading may have good analytical abilities. In addition, employers sometimes want to know whether an applicant’s lifestyle aligns with the demands of the job. For instance, roles that require frequent travel or irregular hours may be better suited to individuals who are single or have fewer family responsibilities.

On the other hand, many people believe that asking about personal matters is inappropriate and potentially discriminatory. Information such as marital status or private interests does not necessarily reflect a person’s ability to perform well at work. In fact, these questions may lead to unfair judgments. For example, a married candidate might be rejected because the employer assumes they will have less flexibility, even if this is not true. Furthermore, applicants may feel uncomfortable sharing personal details, especially if they fear that the information could be used against them. In modern workplaces, professionalism and skills should be the main criteria for hiring, not personal lifestyle choices.

In my opinion, employers should only ask for personal information when it is directly relevant to the job. Hobbies and interests can be helpful in understanding a candidate’s personality, but sensitive information such as marital status should not influence hiring decisions. Companies should focus on qualifications, experience, and work ethic rather than private matters. At the same time, applicants should have the right to decline answering questions they consider intrusive.

In conclusion, while some personal information may help employers choose suitable candidates, asking for details that are not related to job performance can be unfair and inappropriate. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure both effective hiring and respect for applicants’ privacy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument—the potential relevance of personal information in hiring and the concerns regarding privacy and discrimination—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the link between sports and teamwork or the potential for bias regarding marital status. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. You have maintained a professional tone and addressed the prompt comprehensively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Furthermore,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each viewpoint, a paragraph for your own opinion, and a conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'holistically,' 'discriminatory,' 'intrusive,' and 'aligns with the demands.' The word choice is generally accurate and contributes to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is solid and fits the context well, it occasionally leans towards standard rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. However, the range is sufficient to express complex ideas clearly and precisely, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. You use a mix of simple and complex structures effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent, and the control over tense and agreement is consistent throughout the response, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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