Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-21

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)

People are increasingly adopting sedentary lifestyles in recent years. It has been observed that many individuals are paying more attention to improving their financial situation while neglecting their physical fitness. There are several reasons for this trend, including longer working hours and the high cost of recreational facilities. This essay will discuss the main causes of this development and suggest some possible solutions.

To begin with, working hours have significantly increased in recent years. Many high-paying jobs, such as those in IT, management and contracting, often require employees to spend long hours sitting at their desks. Although people spend a significant portion of their day at work, they may also face considerable pressure to meet performance targets. As a result, they have less time and energy to participate in physical activities after work. This work culture can therefore contribute to both physical inactivity and increased stress, which may negatively affect people's overall health.

Furthermore, some people cannot afford to pay membership fees for recreational facilities. Low-income individuals may already struggle to earn enough money to support their households, making gym memberships or other sports facilities an additional financial burden. Consequently, they may choose to work longer hours to increase their income instead of spending time exercising. This can gradually lead to unhealthy lifestyles and a lack of regular physical activity.

Several measures can be taken to address these problems. Companies could organise regular sports events and encourage their employees to participate in physical activities during or after working hours. This would give workers an opportunity to exercise and reduce the amount of time they spend sitting. In addition, governments could provide free or affordable recreational facilities in residential areas so that people from different income groups can access gyms, swimming pools and sports grounds without facing significant financial pressure. These measures could improve the overall health and fitness of the population.

In conclusion, long working hours and the high cost of recreational facilities are two major reasons why people are leading increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Employers can encourage physical activity among their workers, while governments can make recreational facilities more affordable and accessible to the public.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring two distinct reasons for a lack of exercise among working people (increased working hours and financial constraints regarding recreational facilities) and offering viable solutions for both. The introduction clearly outlines the essay structure, and a consistent position is maintained throughout. Ideas are well-extended and supported with logical explanations and examples, such as mentioning specific high-paying industries like IT and management. The response meets all task requirements effectively, fitting the Band 8 descriptor for Task Achievement by covering all parts well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to causes, solutions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Several measures can be taken'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas clearly. The flow of the text is smooth, and referencing is handled accurately, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7 or 8 score. The cohesive management aligns well with a strong Band 7.5, rounded to 7.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to the task, including phrases like 'sedentary lifestyles', 'financial burden', 'performance targets', and 'recreational facilities'. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'physical inactivity', 'additional financial burden'). While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated or native-like throughout, it is precise enough to convey the intended meaning clearly with minimal repetition. Word choices are accurate, placing this comfortably in the Band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although people spend a significant portion of their day at work, they may also face considerable pressure...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong. There are very few errors, and those that do occur are minor and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical range and accuracy consistently meet the criteria for a Band 8 performance.

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