Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-22

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 recent years, the increasingly sedentary nature of modern employment has become a major concern, as many workers spend most of their day sitting at a desk and have little time or motivation to exercise. This essay will examine the main reasons for this lack of physical activity and suggest practical measures to address the problem.

One major reason is the demanding nature of contemporary working life. Long working hours, heavy workloads and lengthy commutes can leave employees physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the day. As a result, many people prefer to rest, watch television or use their phones rather than engage in physical activity. Another factor is the widespread use of technology. Office-based employees can complete most of their responsibilities while remaining seated, while digital services such as online shopping and food delivery have further reduced the need for people to walk or perform routine physical tasks.

Several measures could be taken to reverse this trend. Employers could introduce short, scheduled exercise breaks and provide facilities such as gyms, walking areas or bicycle storage. Flexible working arrangements could also allow employees to exercise before or after work without sacrificing their personal commitments. At an individual level, people should incorporate simple activities into their daily routines, such as walking or cycling to work, using stairs instead of lifts and taking regular walks during breaks. Governments could support these efforts by developing safe cycling lanes, public parks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

In conclusion, excessive workloads, sedentary jobs and technology-driven lifestyles are key reasons why many workers fail to exercise sufficiently. A combination of workplace initiatives, individual lifestyle changes and supportive public infrastructure could substantially improve levels of physical activity and reduce the health problems associated with inactivity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring both the reasons why working people lack exercise and offering practical solutions. The introduction clearly sets out the essay's scope. In the body paragraphs, the writer provides well-developed reasons, such as demanding working hours, heavy workloads, and sedentary technology-driven lifestyles. The second body paragraph outlines practical, multi-level solutions involving employers, individuals, and governments. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, demonstrating a strong understanding of the requirements for this task. The response easily meets the standard expected for a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a very clear and logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the causes of physical inactivity to comprehensive solutions involving multiple stakeholders. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and naturally, such as 'One major reason', 'Another factor', and 'In conclusion', without feeling mechanical. Reference words are handled well, ensuring the text flows smoothly and remains easy to read from start to finish. This represents a strong performance matching the Band 8.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range suitable for this topic. Less common vocabulary items are used skilfully, including expressions like 'sedentary nature', 'contemporary working life', 'physically and mentally exhausted', and 'infrastructure'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, and spelling is flawless throughout. While the vocabulary is varied and precise, it stops just short of the completely natural and sophisticated control required for a Band 9.0, maintaining a very solid Band 8.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of control. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and conditional structures, such as 'as many workers spend most of their day sitting at a desk and have little time or motivation to exercise.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed with high accuracy. Only occasional, minor imperfections can be found, but these never impede communication. The control over grammar and syntax easily justifies a Band 8.0 score.

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