Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-27

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 for personal information, including their hobbies, interests and marital status. While some people believe such details can help employers understand candidates better, others argue that they are irrelevant to a person's ability to perform a job. I believe that information directly related to a candidate's skills and interests may be useful, whereas private details such as marital status should generally not be considered.

On the one hand, asking about hobbies and interests can provide employers with additional insight into an applicant's personality and transferable skills. For example, someone who regularly plays team sports may have developed communication and teamwork skills, while volunteering could demonstrate responsibility and commitment. Such information may therefore be relevant when selecting candidates for jobs that require strong interpersonal skills.

On the other hand, personal information such as whether someone is married or single has little connection with their professional abilities. Decisions based on marital status could also result in unfair discrimination. Similarly, hobbies should not be used to judge a candidate unless they are genuinely relevant to the position. For instance, an applicant's preference for reading or travelling should have little influence on whether they are qualified to work as an accountant.

In my opinion, employers should focus primarily on qualifications, experience and job-related skills. Hobbies can be discussed when they demonstrate relevant abilities, but questions about marital status and other private matters should be avoided.

In conclusion, some personal information can provide useful supplementary evidence about a candidate, but employment decisions should be based mainly on objective, job-related criteria rather than private circumstances.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that personal information is relevant and useful, and that it is irrelevant—while also clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The ideas are well developed and extended. For instance, the discussion on hobbies and interests is supported by clear examples such as team sports fostering communication and volunteering demonstrating responsibility. Similarly, the counter-argument regarding marital status is logically connected to potential discrimination and professional irrelevance. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Therefore, the response meets all the requirements for a strong performance under this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a well-defined introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing both sides of the argument, a nuanced personal opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In my opinion', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Referencing is clear, and paragraphing is managed appropriately and sufficiently.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, with good attempts at less common and topic-specific items. Phrases such as 'transferable skills', 'interpersonal skills', 'professional abilities', and 'objective, job-related criteria' show an awareness of style and collocation. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout. Although there are no major slips into overly sophisticated or forced terminology, the vocabulary used is entirely natural, fluent, and adequate to convey precise meanings without any impediment to communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures and uses them accurately. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional and concessive clauses such as 'While some people believe such details can help employers understand candidates better, others argue that they are irrelevant...' and 'Hobbies can be discussed when they demonstrate relevant abilities...'. Minor errors are virtually absent, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the entire text, indicating excellent control.

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