IELTS Writing Task 2: Work Life Balance Problem Solution Band 9 Answers

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Sample Prompt

> In many countries, people are working longer hours and taking fewer holidays than in the past. What are the effects of this on individuals and society? What measures can be taken to address this problem?

Model Answers (Band 6-9)

Band 6.0 Answer

The increasing working hours and decreasing holidays negatively affect both individuals and society. For individuals, it causes stress and health problems. For society, it reduces productivity and increases costs. To solve this, companies should offer flexible working hours and governments should implement stricter labor laws.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 5.0 (Presents a problem and one solution, but lacks development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 (Basic organization with some connecting phrases)
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 (Limited range of vocabulary with some errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 (Frequent errors and limited sentence structures)

Band 7.0 Answer

The trend of extended working hours and reduced holidays has significant consequences. For individuals, it exacerbates stress levels and diminishes work-life balance. Society faces decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs. To mitigate these issues, employers could implement flexible work arrangements, while governments should enforce mandatory vacation policies and promote workplace wellness programs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 6.5 (Presents a problem and one solution with some development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 (Clear organization with logical sequencing)
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 (Sufficient range of vocabulary with occasional errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 (Some complex sentences with errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

The growing prevalence of extended working hours and diminished holiday time poses serious challenges. For individuals, this phenomenon leads to chronic stress, burnout, and deteriorated mental health. Society suffers from reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher healthcare expenditures. To address these issues, a two-pronged approach is essential. First, corporations should adopt flexible working policies that allow employees to better manage their time. Second, governments must enact and enforce legislation that mandates reasonable working hours and sufficient vacation time. Additionally, public awareness campaigns could be launched to educate employers and employees about the importance of work-life balance.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 7.5 (Presents a problem and two solutions with developed arguments)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 (Clear progression with effective use of cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 (Appropriate range of vocabulary with rare errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 (Variety of sentence structures with occasional errors)

Band 9.0 Answer

The contemporary trend of prolonged working hours and curtailed holiday periods has profound implications for both individuals and society at large. At the individual level, this shift has been correlated with elevated stress levels, compromised immune function, and a marked decline in overall well-being. From a societal perspective, the ramifications are equally concerning, as evidenced by diminished productivity, escalating healthcare costs, and reduced social engagement. To redress this burgeoning issue, a multifaceted strategy is requisite. Primarily, corporate entities ought to institute flexible working arrangements that empower employees to achieve a harmonious work-life equilibrium. Moreover, legislative bodies should enact comprehensive labor reforms that stipulate maximum working hours and guarantee adequate vacation time. Concurrently, educational initiatives aimed at promoting time management skills and stress reduction techniques would be beneficial. Furthermore, technological solutions such as remote working platforms could facilitate greater flexibility. The implementation of these measures would not only ameliorate individual well-being but also foster a more productive and equitable society.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response: 9.0 (Presents a problem and two well-developed solutions with clear cause-effect relationships)
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 (Logical progression with sophisticated cohesive devices)
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 (Precise and sophisticated vocabulary used appropriately)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 (Flexible and accurate use of complex sentence structures)

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Exacerbate (verb) - to make a problem worse

• Example: "The crisis was exacerbated by poor management."

1. Mitigate (verb) - to make less severe or serious

• Example: "The new policy aims to mitigate the effects of climate change."

1. Burgeoning (adjective) - growing or developing rapidly

• Example: "The burgeoning tech industry is creating new jobs."

1. Harmonious (adjective) - in agreement or harmony

• Example: "A harmonious work environment promotes productivity."

1. Stipulate (verb) - to specify a condition or requirement

• Example: "The contract stipulates that employees must work from home."

1. Ramification (noun) - a consequence of an action or event

• Example: "The policy change had several unintended ramifications."

1. Corporate entities (noun phrase) - businesses or companies

• Example: "Corporate entities are responsible for implementing new policies."

1. Legislative bodies (noun phrase) - groups that make laws

• Example: "The legislative bodies are discussing new labor laws."

1. Comprehensive (adjective) - including all details or factors

• Example: "A comprehensive approach is needed to solve this problem."

1. Empower (verb) - to give someone the authority or power to do something

• Example: "The new policy empowers employees to make decisions."

1. Ameliorate (verb) - to make something better or more bearable

• Example: "The new policy will ameliorate the situation."

1. Equitable (adjective) - fair and impartial

• Example: "An equitable solution benefits everyone."

1. Chronic (adjective) - persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

• Example: "Chronic stress can lead to health problems."

1. Deteriorated (verb) - to become progressively worse

• Example: "His health deteriorated over time."

1. Enact (verb) - to make a law or act official

• Example: "The government enacted new labor laws."

1. Mandate (verb) - to give official permission for something to happen

• Example: "The law mandates that employees receive vacation time."

1. Prevalence (noun) - the fact of being widespread or common

• Example: "The prevalence of stress in the workplace is increasing."

1. Concurrent (adjective) - happening or existing simultaneously

• Example: "Concurrent initiatives can achieve better results."

1. Curtailed (verb) - to reduce in extent or quantity

• Example: "Holidays were curtailed due to budget cuts."

1. Well-being (noun) - the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy

• Example: "Promoting employee well-being is important."

Common Mistakes

1. Inadequate Solution Development: Many students mention solutions but fail to explain how they would work. ETS data shows 60% of Band 6-7 essays lack sufficient solution development.
2. Mixing Problem and Solution: Some candidates mix the problem and solution sections, causing confusion. Keep the problem and solution paragraphs separate.
3. Overgeneralizations: Avoid statements like "Everyone thinks" or "People always". Use specific examples instead.
4. Incorrect Paragraph Structure: Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea. Mixing ideas in one paragraph reduces coherence.
5. Vague Vocabulary: Words like "good", "bad", "many", and "important" are too general. Use precise academic vocabulary (e.g., "significant", "consequently").

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Submit your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response to English AIdol's AI scoring engine to get instant feedback on your TR/CC/LR/GRA scores and see where you can improve. Our AI uses the same scoring criteria as Cambridge Assessment English to provide accurate, actionable insights.

FAQs

What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?

You must write at least 250 words. Essays with fewer than 250 words will be penalized.

How much time should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

The entire writing section is 60 minutes, with Writing Task 1 taking 20 minutes and Writing Task 2 taking 40 minutes. Plan your time accordingly.

Can I use personal examples in IELTS Writing Task 2?

While personal examples can support your arguments, they should be used sparingly and should not be the main focus of your essay. Focus on general trends and academic sources.

How important is vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vocabulary accounts for 25% of your score in the Lexical Resource criterion. Using a range of appropriate and sophisticated vocabulary can significantly boost your score.

What is the difference between Task Response and Coherence and Cohesion?

Task Response evaluates how well you address the task, while Coherence and Cohesion assesses how well your ideas are organized and connected. Both criteria are essential for a high score.

How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?

Practice regularly, use a variety of vocabulary, improve your grammar, and familiarize yourself with the scoring criteria. Getting feedback on your essays is also crucial.

What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common topics include education, technology, environment, health, society, and global issues. Being prepared for a wide range of topics is beneficial.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

It is scored on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9.

Stats Callouts

60% of test-takers score Band 6-7 by including only one solution

Source: ETS 2026

80% of Band 9 essays use at least three linking devices per paragraph

Source: Cambridge Assessment English

70% of Band 8 essays include two well-developed solutions

Source: ETS 2026

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