Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-24

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)

While some argue that personal details of employees are irrelevant to the job they get interviewed for, others think they are beneficial in the interview process. In my view, it is imperative for employers to know applicants' background to assign them to a role in which their interests align with their job responsibilities.

The supporters maintain it is crucial to gain a broader understanding of an applicant's personality and suitability for the workplace. They believe it is consequential to know individuals' hobbies, interests and personal circumstances, as they may reveal qualities such as teamwork, leadership, creativity and time management, which help to assign them to the departments where their qualities align with the job duties. Moreover, understanding an applicant's background may help employers assess long-term commitment and workplace adaptability, since shared values foster better team cohesion. For example, if a candidate's interest is in arts, he might perform better in the creative team instead of the marketing team of company. By following this practice, both employers and employees benefit mutually.

Coversely, critics argue that employers should not place undue emphasis on their marital status, hobbies or interests, as they have little direct relevance to an individual's ability to perform a job effectively. They believe that an employer's decision should be solely on the basis of applicants' qualifications, professional skills and experience. Furthermore, considering such information may encourage conscious or unconscious bias, making the recruitment process less fair and objective, which may result in discrimination. For instance, an employer may assume that married employees may not be flexible with their work schedules.

In conclusion, although personal details like marital status, might instigate some employers to make false assumptions, I believe vital information such as hobbies and interests assist employers in better job allocation, which enhances both work productivity and job satisfaction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both sides of the argument and providing a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding team cohesion and the potential for bias. The example provided about the arts candidate is relevant and supports the argument effectively. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the response is well-structured to meet the requirements of a discursive essay.

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 'Moreover', 'Conversely', and 'Furthermore' effectively. The use of referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is varied and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific vocabulary such as 'workplace adaptability', 'team cohesion', 'undue emphasis', and 'objective'. There is a good level of precision in word choice, and the student demonstrates an ability to use less common lexical items naturally. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over grammar and punctuation is strong. While there is a minor error in the phrase 'instead of the marketing team of company' (missing an article), this does not impede understanding. The sentence structures are varied, contributing to the overall fluency of the writing.

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