Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-23

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 sometimes ask job applicants to provide personal information, such as their hobbies, interests and marital status. While some people believe that such details can help companies choose suitable employees, others argue that they are irrelevant to a person's ability to do a job. In my opinion, some personal information may be useful, but employers should avoid asking questions that have no clear connection with the position.

On the one hand, information about hobbies and interests can sometimes be relevant to employment. For example, someone applying for a job at a sports centre may benefit from having an interest in fitness or particular sports. Similarly, hobbies that demonstrate useful qualities, such as teamwork, leadership or creativity, may give employers a better understanding of an applicant's personality and skills. In addition, knowing about a candidate's interests can help employers decide whether they would fit well into the company culture.

On the other hand, many people believe that personal information should not influence recruitment decisions. Marital status, for instance, has little or nothing to do with whether someone is capable of performing their duties. Asking about such matters could also lead to unfair discrimination. An employer might make assumptions about a person's availability, family responsibilities or future plans instead of judging them on their qualifications and experience. This could prevent well-qualified candidates from receiving equal opportunities.

In my view, employers should focus primarily on information that is directly related to the job. Hobbies and interests can be included if they demonstrate relevant skills or experience, but questions about marital status and other private matters should generally be avoided. Recruitment is fairest when candidates are assessed according to their abilities, qualifications and suitability for the position rather than their personal circumstances.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument—the potential relevance of hobbies and interests versus the irrelevance and potential for discrimination regarding marital status—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with logical examples such as the sports centre scenario and the risks of unfair discrimination. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the arguments are supported with relevant reasoning. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task 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 the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'In addition' effectively. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of the argument. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; rather, the flow of the essay feels natural and professional. The logical sequencing of points ensures the reader can follow your argument without any difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'recruitment decisions', 'unfair discrimination', and 'personal circumstances' show a level of precision and sophistication. The vocabulary is used accurately throughout the text, and there are no instances where word choice impedes communication. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more idiomatic or less common collocations could elevate the score further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports the clarity of your arguments well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While some people believe that...', 'An employer might make assumptions... instead of judging them...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. The variety of sentence structures used contributes to a fluent and professional tone, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

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