Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-19

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 7.5)

There has long been a debate about whether employers should request personal information, such as applicants' hobbies, interests, and marital status, during the recruitment process, while others argue that such details are irrelevant to hiring decisions. Although both perspectives have their own merits, this essay will examine each viewpoint before explaining why I am firmly convinced that employers should evaluate candidates primarily on their qualifications, skills, and professional experience.

Those who advocate requesting personal information often argue that it enables employers to gain a broader understanding of an applicant's personality and suitability for the workplace. The primary justification for this viewpoint is that an individual's hobbies, interests, and personal circumstances may reveal qualities such as teamwork, leadership, creativity, or time management. As a result, employers are more likely to recruit candidates whose personalities align with the organization's culture. Moreover, understanding an applicant's personal background may help employers assess long-term commitment and workplace compatibility, further strengthening this argument. A compelling example of this can be observed in companies that value teamwork, where candidates who actively participate in sports or voluntary work often demonstrate strong communication and collaboration skills. Consequently, it is understandable why many people regard this perspective as both reasonable and beneficial.

Conversely, proponents of excluding personal information from the recruitment process maintain that employment decisions should be based solely on a candidate's professional competence. This argument is largely founded on the belief that factors such as marital status, hobbies, or personal interests have little direct relevance to an individual's ability to perform a job effectively. Furthermore, considering such information may encourage conscious or unconscious bias, making the recruitment process less fair and objective. For instance, a highly qualified applicant could be overlooked simply because an employer assumes that a married individual or someone with family responsibilities may be less flexible than other candidates, despite having the necessary skills and experience. Although the former viewpoint offers certain advantages, I believe this perspective is ultimately more convincing because recruitment should be based on merit rather than personal circumstances, ensuring equal opportunities for all applicants.

In conclusion, while both viewpoints present persuasive arguments, I remain convinced that employers should avoid requesting unnecessary personal information during recruitment. This is because such an approach not only promotes fairness and equality but also ensures that hiring decisions are based on genuine competence, making it a more sustainable and professional practice in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument—the potential benefits of knowing personal details for cultural fit and the risks of bias—while maintaining a consistent and clear personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of teamwork in sports and the potential for unfair bias regarding family responsibilities. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. You have successfully met the requirements of the task by providing a balanced discussion followed by a well-reasoned opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Although both perspectives have their own merits,' 'Moreover,' and 'Conversely.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. The flow of information is natural, and the reader is guided through your argument without any confusion. The cohesive devices are used flexibly and contribute to the overall clarity of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'professional competence,' 'conscious or unconscious bias,' and 'sustainable and professional practice' show a high level of control. You use less common lexical items effectively to convey nuanced meaning. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for a formal academic essay. The language is sophisticated and contributes to the overall professional tone of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional clauses, relative clauses, and sophisticated sentence combinations. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar and punctuation is excellent. There are no noticeable errors that impede communication. You have used a variety of sentence forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. The grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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