The topic of teleworking and its effect on business productivity has become increasingly relevant in recent years, particularly in light of global events that have accelerated the adoption of remote work practices. This theme has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular subject for examination. Based on our analysis of previous test papers and current trends, we have identified a highly probable question that candidates may encounter in future IELTS exams:

Some people believe that the rise of teleworking has had a positive impact on business productivity, while others argue it has led to decreased efficiency. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Let’s examine this question in detail and provide sample essays for different band scores to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.

Question Analysis

This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which requires candidates to:

1. Present arguments for both sides of the debate
2. Provide their personal stance on the issue
3. Support all points with relevant examples and explanations

The key aspects to address are:

• The positive impacts of teleworking on business productivity
• The potential negative effects on efficiency
• A balanced consideration of both perspectives
• A clear, well-supported personal opinion

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The proliferation of teleworking has sparked a debate about its impact on business productivity. While some argue that it has enhanced efficiency, others contend that it has led to decreased productivity. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.

Proponents of teleworking assert that it has significantly boosted business productivity. The flexibility afforded by remote work allows employees to create optimal working environments, potentially leading to increased focus and output. Moreover, the elimination of commuting time can result in more hours dedicated to actual work. For instance, a study by Stanford University found that remote workers were 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts, primarily due to fewer distractions and more convenient work schedules.

On the other hand, critics argue that teleworking has negatively impacted business efficiency. The lack of face-to-face interaction can hinder collaboration and spontaneous idea-sharing, which are often crucial for innovation and problem-solving. Additionally, the blurred boundaries between work and personal life may lead to burnout, ultimately reducing long-term productivity. A survey by Buffer revealed that 22% of remote workers struggle with unplugging after work hours, potentially affecting their overall performance.

In my opinion, while teleworking presents certain challenges, its positive impact on business productivity outweighs the drawbacks when implemented effectively. The key lies in striking a balance between remote and in-person work, leveraging the benefits of both approaches. Companies can mitigate the negative aspects by implementing robust communication tools, establishing clear work-life boundaries, and organizing regular team-building activities to maintain cohesion.

In conclusion, teleworking has the potential to significantly enhance business productivity, provided that organizations address its inherent challenges proactively. As remote work continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses to adapt their strategies to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks of this new work paradigm.

(Word count: 298)

Teleworking's impact on business productivity illustration

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a clear personal opinion. It provides well-developed ideas supported by relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively without overuse.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision, such as “proliferation of teleworking” and “blurred boundaries between work and personal life.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. Complex sentences are handled with ease, and there are no noticeable errors.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay demonstrates sophisticated critical thinking by acknowledging the complexity of the issue and suggesting a balanced approach as a solution.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The rise of teleworking has led to different opinions about its effect on business productivity. Some people think it has improved efficiency, while others believe it has made things less productive. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, teleworking can increase productivity. When people work from home, they can avoid wasting time on commuting and have a more flexible schedule. This can help them focus better on their tasks and get more work done. For example, many companies have reported that their employees complete more projects when working remotely.

However, there are also arguments against teleworking. Some people say that it’s harder to communicate and work together as a team when everyone is in different places. This can slow down decision-making and make it difficult to solve problems quickly. Also, some workers might find it hard to separate their work life from their home life, which could lead to stress and lower productivity in the long run.

In my opinion, teleworking can be good for business productivity if it’s managed well. Companies need to make sure they have good systems for communication and clear rules about work hours. They should also try to find ways to keep team spirit high, even when people are working from different locations.

To conclude, teleworking has both positive and negative effects on business productivity. While it offers flexibility and can increase individual output, it also presents challenges in teamwork and work-life balance. I believe that with proper management, the benefits of teleworking can outweigh its drawbacks.

(Word count: 267)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. Ideas are relevant but could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, and basic cohesive devices are used appropriately.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility and precision. There are attempts at less common vocabulary, though not always successful.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Critical Thinking: The essay shows some evidence of critical thinking, acknowledging both sides of the argument and suggesting a balanced approach.

Key Vocabulary

1. Teleworking (noun) – /ˈtelɪwɜːrkɪŋ/ – The practice of working from home, making use of the internet, email, and the telephone.

2. Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.

3. Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – The state or quality of being efficient, or able to accomplish something with the least waste of time and effort.

4. Proliferation (noun) – /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃən/ – Rapid increase in numbers; fast growth or spread of something.

5. Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃən/ – The action of working with someone to produce or create something.

6. Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.

7. Burnout (noun) – /ˈbɜːrnaʊt/ – Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.

8. Cohesion (noun) – /kəʊˈhiːʒən/ – The action or fact of forming a united whole.

9. Paradigm (noun) – /ˈpærədaɪm/ – A typical example or pattern of something; a model.

10. Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful.

Conclusion

The topic of teleworking’s impact on business productivity is a complex and nuanced issue that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can better prepare yourself to tackle similar questions in your exam.

Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic, focusing on:

• Clearly presenting both sides of the argument
• Providing relevant examples and explanations
• Expressing your own opinion with well-supported reasoning
• Using a range of appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures
• Organizing your ideas logically and coherently

We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.

For further preparation, you might also want to explore related topics such as how teleworking is changing the traditional office environment and telework’s impact on corporate culture. These additional resources can provide you with more context and vocabulary to enrich your essays on similar subjects.