Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-06

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Many working people get little or no exercise either during the working day or in their free time, and have health problems as a result.

Why do many working people not get enough exercise?

What can be done about this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

It is increasingly common for employed individuals to lead sedentary lifestyles both at work and during their leisure hours, leading to a rise in physical health ailments. This trend is primarily driven by demanding work hours and modern digital conveniences, but it can be effectively mitigated through corporate health initiatives and government public campaigns.

Two main factors contribute to the lack of physical activity among working adults. Primary among these is the intense nature of modern desk-bound employment. Many employees spend upwards of eight hours seated in front of computers, leaving them mentally exhausted by the end of the workday. Consequently, they often lack the physical energy or motivation required to engage in sports or gym workouts after hours. Furthermore, the prevalence of labor-saving technology and digital entertainment—such as online delivery services and video streaming—encourages people to spend their leisure time in a passive, sedentary manner rather than participating in active pursuits.

To tackle this growing issue, coordinated action is required from both employers and governments. Firstly, companies should integrate health and wellness into corporate culture. For instance, businesses could provide standing desks, encourage short active breaks, or offer subsidized gym memberships to their staff. Implementing on-site fitness facilities or organized group workouts can significantly reduce the time barrier for busy professionals. Secondly, public authorities should invest in accessible recreational infrastructure, such as well-lit pedestrian walkways, cycle paths, and free outdoor gym equipment in urban parks, making physical exercise safer and more convenient for working citizens.

In conclusion, excessive workload demands and screen-centered leisure habits are the root causes of physical inactivity among workers today. However, by fostering health-conscious workplace environments and expanding community recreational spaces, society can encourage working people to adopt a far more active lifestyle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify two primary reasons for the lack of exercise—sedentary work environments and digital leisure habits—and provide two distinct, actionable solutions: corporate wellness initiatives and government-led infrastructure improvements. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as standing desks and cycle paths. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The structure is logical, and the response demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements, providing a balanced and comprehensive answer to both questions posed in the prompt.

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 the problem and the solution is seamless. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Consequently,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Firstly,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skillful, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is natural, ensuring that the reader can follow your line of reasoning without any confusion or unnecessary effort.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'sedentary lifestyles,' 'physical health ailments,' 'labor-saving technology,' and 'recreational infrastructure' show a sophisticated command of the language. The word choices are consistently appropriate for the academic tone of the task. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or word choice, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition, contributing to a fluent and professional-sounding response that meets the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. For example, the use of participial phrases like 'leaving them mentally exhausted' and 'making physical exercise safer' adds sophistication to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The overall grammatical accuracy is very high.

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