Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-18

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)

Many working people today do not get enough exercise, either during working hours or in their free time. This can lead to serious health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, stress, and back pain. There are several reasons why people struggle to exercise regularly, but both employers and individuals can take steps to address this problem.

One major reason is that many people have busy working schedules. Employees may spend eight or more hours sitting at a desk, and after work they often have household responsibilities or family commitments. As a result, they may feel too tired to exercise. In addition, long commuting times can reduce the amount of free time available. Another reason is the increasing use of technology. Many jobs require employees to sit in front of computers for most of the day, while people may also spend their evenings watching television or using their phones.

There are several ways to encourage working people to become more active. Employers could provide short exercise breaks during the working day, offer fitness facilities, or organize activities such as walking groups. Companies could also encourage employees to walk or cycle to work by providing secure bicycle parking and changing facilities. Individuals can also make small changes, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during lunch breaks, or exercising for 30 minutes after work.

For example, a person who works in an office could take a short walk during lunch instead of remaining at their desk. Although this may seem like a small change, doing it every working day can significantly increase their weekly physical activity.

In conclusion, long working hours, commuting, tiredness, and sedentary jobs are important reasons why many people do not exercise enough. Employers should create healthier workplaces, while individuals should make exercise a regular part of their daily routines. These changes can improve both physical health and overall quality of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for a lack of exercise and potential solutions. The ideas are well-developed, with clear explanations regarding sedentary work environments and time constraints. The solutions provided are practical and directly linked to the problems identified, such as employer-led initiatives and individual lifestyle adjustments. The position is clear throughout, and the essay maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The inclusion of a specific example regarding office workers adds depth to the argument, demonstrating a good level of task engagement and development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Another reason', and 'For example' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the problem-focused paragraphs and the solution-focused paragraphs is seamless. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of the argument without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'sedentary jobs', 'household responsibilities', 'physical activity', and 'fitness facilities'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys the intended meaning clearly, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterize a band 8 or 9 response. However, the word choice is precise throughout, and there are no errors in spelling or word formation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('If... then' implied) and subordinate clauses ('Although this may seem like a small change...'). The punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. While the grammatical range is solid, it does not consistently display the high level of flexibility or the more complex, varied sentence structures required for the highest band. Nevertheless, the control of grammar is strong, and errors are virtually non-existent.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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