The topic of flexible work hours has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the evolving nature of modern workplaces, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. To help you prepare, we’ll analyze a relevant question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Let’s examine the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people think that employees should have flexible work hours. Others believe that employees should have fixed work schedules. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the advantages of flexible work hours
- Discuss the benefits of fixed work schedules
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Workplace flexibility has become a hot topic in recent years, with some advocating for flexible work hours while others support traditional fixed schedules. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Proponents of flexible work hours argue that this approach can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. When employees have the freedom to choose their working hours, they can align their most productive periods with their work schedule, potentially resulting in higher-quality output. Moreover, flexibility allows for a better work-life balance, as workers can attend to personal commitments without sacrificing their professional responsibilities. This arrangement can be particularly beneficial for parents or those with caregiving duties.
On the other hand, supporters of fixed work schedules contend that set hours provide structure and promote teamwork. When all employees work at the same time, it facilitates better communication and collaboration, which can be crucial for project-based work. Fixed schedules also ensure that clients and customers know exactly when they can reach company representatives, potentially improving customer service. Additionally, some argue that fixed hours help maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life, preventing work from encroaching on leisure time.
In my opinion, a hybrid approach that combines elements of both flexible and fixed schedules could be the most effective solution. Core working hours, during which all employees are present, could be established to facilitate team meetings and collaborative work. Outside of these core hours, employees could have the flexibility to adjust their schedules according to their personal needs and peak productivity times. This approach would balance the benefits of both systems while mitigating their drawbacks.
In conclusion, while both flexible work hours and fixed schedules have their merits, a balanced approach that incorporates elements of both systems may be the most beneficial for employees and employers alike. This compromise could lead to increased productivity, improved work-life balance, and maintained team cohesion.
(Word count: 365)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay would likely receive a high band score (8-9) for several reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary used with full flexibility and precision. For example, “encroaching on leisure time” and “mitigating their drawbacks”.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
In today’s world, there is a debate about whether employees should have flexible work hours or fixed schedules. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.
Flexible work hours have some advantages. Firstly, they can help employees balance their work and personal life better. For example, parents can take their children to school and still complete their work later. Secondly, some people work better at different times of the day. Flexible hours allow them to work when they are most productive.
However, fixed schedules also have benefits. They make it easier for teams to work together because everyone is in the office at the same time. This can improve communication and collaboration. Also, fixed hours can help separate work time from personal time, which some people find important for their mental health.
In my opinion, a mix of both systems could be the best solution. Companies could have some core hours when everyone must be working, but also allow some flexibility around these times. This way, teams can still meet and work together, but employees also have some freedom to adjust their schedules.
In conclusion, both flexible work hours and fixed schedules have their advantages. A system that combines both could benefit both employees and companies.
(Word count: 263)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a band score of 6-7 for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, but it lacks the sophistication and precision of a higher band score essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there is room for more variety.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present but could be more fully elaborated with examples or explanations.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Flexible work hours (noun phrase) – /ˈfleksəbəl wɜːrk ˈaʊərz/ – Working times that can be adjusted by employees
- Fixed schedule (noun phrase) – /fɪkst ˈʃedʒuːl/ – A set timetable for work that doesn’t change
- Work-life balance (noun phrase) – /wɜːrk laɪf ˈbæləns/ – The equilibrium between professional and personal life
- Productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – The efficiency of production or output
- Collaboration (noun) – /kəˌlæbəˈreɪʃn/ – The action of working with others to produce something
- Core hours (noun phrase) – /kɔːr ˈaʊərz/ – The main part of the working day when all employees are expected to be present
- Hybrid approach (noun phrase) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method combining elements of different systems
- Encroach (verb) – /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃ/ – To intrude or make gradual inroads
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the negative effects of something
- Mental health (noun phrase) – /ˈmentl helθ/ – A person’s condition with regard to their psychological and emotional well-being
In conclusion, the topic of flexible work hours versus fixed schedules is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as the effects of remote work on employee well-being or the benefits and drawbacks of a four-day workweek. You might also encounter questions about the impact of teleworking on urban infrastructure planning or the importance of maintaining work-life balance for productivity.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.