Remote work has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly since the global pandemic. Based on recent exam reports and candidate feedback, questions about work-from-home policies have appeared in various forms throughout 2021-2023, suggesting this trend will likely continue.
Let’s examine one recent IELTS Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that companies should encourage more employees to work from home. Others think working from the office is better for both employees and companies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Essay Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages and disadvantages of remote work
- Consider impacts on both employees and companies
- Present a balanced argument
- Provide a clear personal stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Similar to how to manage stress in the workplace, managing remote work effectively requires careful consideration of various factors. Here’s a high-scoring response:
The debate between remote work and office-based employment has intensified in recent years, with compelling arguments on both sides. While some advocate for increased work-from-home opportunities, others maintain that traditional office environments are more beneficial. In my opinion, a hybrid approach combining both methods would be most advantageous.
Proponents of remote work highlight several key benefits. Firstly, employees can achieve better work-life balance by eliminating commuting time and having more flexibility in managing personal responsibilities. Additionally, companies can reduce overhead costs significantly through decreased office space requirements and utility expenses. Research has shown that remote workers often report higher job satisfaction and increased productivity due to fewer workplace distractions.
However, office-based work offers distinct advantages that cannot be ignored. Face-to-face interactions facilitate stronger team collaboration and spontaneous creative exchanges that are difficult to replicate virtually. Furthermore, office environments provide structured mentorship opportunities for junior employees and help maintain clear boundaries between professional and personal life. Companies also find it easier to maintain corporate culture and monitor employee performance in traditional settings.
In my view, the optimal solution lies in implementing a hybrid model. This approach would allow organizations to harness the benefits of both working styles while mitigating their respective drawbacks. Employees could enjoy flexibility on certain days while maintaining crucial in-person connections on others. This balance would support both individual well-being and organizational effectiveness.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of whether people should work from home or office is very important today. Both options have good and bad points that need to be looked at carefully.
Working from home has many benefits for workers. They don’t need to travel to work every day, which saves time and money. They can also work in comfortable clothes and take care of their children better. Companies can save money too because they don’t need big offices.
But working in offices is also good. Workers can talk to their colleagues easily and learn from others. Some people find it hard to work at home because there are many distractions. Also, managers can check work better when everyone is in the office.
I think both ways of working have advantages. Maybe the best way is to let people work some days at home and some days in the office. This way, everyone can get good things from both types of working.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “compelling arguments,” “hybrid approach,” “spontaneous creative exchanges”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Balanced discussion with well-developed ideas
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition of ideas
- Limited development of arguments
- Less formal tone
Key Vocabulary
- hybrid approach (n.) /ˈhaɪbrɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – combining two different methods
- overhead costs (n.) /ˈəʊvəhed kɒsts/ – regular business expenses
- spontaneous (adj.) /spɒnˈteɪniəs/ – unplanned, natural
- mentorship (n.) /ˈmentəʃɪp/ – guidance provided by an experienced person
- corporate culture (n.) /ˈkɔːpərət ˈkʌltʃə/ – shared values within a company
Virtual team meeting with diverse professionals using video conferencing
Practice Exercise
Try writing your own response to this question, focusing on:
- Clear introduction and conclusion
- Balanced discussion of both views
- Specific examples and evidence
- Appropriate academic vocabulary
- Proper paragraph structure
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.
