Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-09
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 7.5)
In contemporary society, many people have become extremely focused on their work. They often work long hours to fulfil the basic needs of their families, such as food, shelter and clothing. As a result, they may develop a sedentary lifestyle, which can contribute to many serious health problems. Working for long hours with little or no physical activity can be harmful to people's health. Therefore, individuals should maintain a balanced routine that includes regular exercise and a healthy diet.
To start with, working more than sixty hours a week can be harmful to the human body. Although some people may have to work such long hours because of their financial responsibilities, they should try to balance their professional lives with healthy lifestyle habits. For example, a study conducted in the United States in 2022 found that people who exercised regularly were less likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases than those who did little or no exercise. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of several health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. It can also improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
Governments around the world should also educate working citizens about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For instance, awareness campaigns could encourage employees to exercise regularly and consume nutritious food. Companies could also organise workplace wellness programmes that provide employees with information about healthy diets and simple exercises. Such initiatives could help overweight and sedentary workers adopt healthier habits and reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
Additionally, every working person should have a fixed daily schedule that includes sufficient time for exercise and healthy meals. Those who are unsure about their dietary requirements could consult a qualified nutritionist and develop an appropriate diet plan. Although these changes may seem like small efforts, they can significantly improve both physical and mental health. Exercise, for example, can promote the release of chemicals in the brain that help reduce stress, improve mood and support better sleep.
In conclusion, people who work long hours should understand the importance of maintaining good physical and mental health. Earning a large amount of money is of little value if it comes at the expense of one's health and life expectancy. Therefore, workers should make time for exercise, healthy eating and adequate rest so that they can enjoy the benefits of their hard work in the long term.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly identify reasons for the lack of exercise, such as long working hours and financial pressures, and provide logical solutions, including government awareness campaigns and workplace wellness programmes. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of cardiovascular disease and the role of nutritionists. The position is consistent throughout, and the essay maintains a professional tone. To reach a higher band, ensure that the link between the 'why' and the 'what can be done' is even more tightly integrated to demonstrate a more sophisticated level of critical analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the problem and the solution is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To start with', 'For instance', and 'Additionally', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The structure is sound and supports the overall argument without any noticeable confusion or mechanical repetition.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'sedentary lifestyle', 'cardiovascular diseases', and 'lifestyle-related diseases' are used accurately and appropriately in context. There is an awareness of collocation, and the language is generally natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to add nuance to your arguments, though the current range is more than adequate for a high-level response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures and relative clauses effectively, such as 'Those who are unsure about their dietary requirements could consult...' and 'Although these changes may seem like small efforts, they can...'. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the majority of sentences are error-free, which indicates a high level of grammatical competence.
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