Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-05

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 8.0)

Employers often request personal information from job applicants, such as their hobbies, interests, or marital status. Some people believe this helps employers make better decisions, while others argue that such details are unnecessary and intrusive. In my view, asking for personal information can be useful in certain situations, but it should be limited to what is genuinely relevant to the job.

On one hand, supporters of providing personal information say that it helps employers understand a candidate more fully. For example, hobbies and interests can reveal qualities that may not appear in a résumé. Someone who enjoys team sports may be good at collaboration, while a person who likes solving puzzles might have strong analytical skills. Employers may also feel that knowing more about an applicant’s personality helps them judge whether the candidate will fit well into the company culture. In this sense, personal details can contribute to a more complete and accurate assessment.

On the other hand, many people believe that such information is unnecessary and may even lead to unfair treatment. Details like marital status or personal interests do not affect a person’s ability to perform a job. In fact, asking whether someone is married or single could lead to discrimination. For instance, employers might assume that single people can work longer hours or that married people will need more time off, which is not always true. Furthermore, some applicants may feel uncomfortable sharing private information, especially if it has no direct connection to the job requirements.

In my opinion, employers should only ask for personal information when it is clearly relevant to the position. Hobbies and interests can be helpful in understanding a candidate’s strengths, but questions about marital status or other private matters should be avoided. Companies should focus on skills, experience, and professional qualities rather than personal life details.

In conclusion, while some personal information may help employers make better hiring decisions, asking for irrelevant or overly private details can be intrusive and unfair. A balanced approach is necessary to ensure both effective recruitment and respect for applicants’ privacy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly presented both sides of the argument—the potential benefits of personal information for cultural fit and the risks of discrimination—and maintained a consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as linking hobbies to soft skills like collaboration and analytical thinking. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the response is balanced and focused. The task response is comprehensive and demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices effectively to transition between points, such as 'On one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is smooth throughout. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'genuinely relevant,' 'complete and accurate assessment,' and 'unfair treatment' show good control of collocation and style. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions, such as 'mitigate the risk of bias' or 'holistic evaluation.' However, the current range is more than adequate for clear and professional communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if it has no direct connection') and relative clauses ('that may not appear in a résumé'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of your sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no instances where errors impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this band.

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