Work-life balance has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current trends, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future tests. To help you prepare, let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that employees should not be required to work more than 8 hours a day. Others believe that employers should be able to ask employees to work longer hours when necessary. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the issue of The importance of work-life balance in maintaining health, making it an excellent topic for our sample essays. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample responses for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that employees should not work more than 8 hours a day
- Discuss the opposing view that employers should be able to ask for longer hours when needed
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
To score well, you need to address all parts of the question, provide relevant examples, and structure your essay logically.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s fast-paced work environment, the debate over appropriate working hours has gained significant traction. While some argue for a strict 8-hour workday limit, others believe employers should have the flexibility to extend working hours when necessary. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of the 8-hour workday limit argue that it is essential for maintaining employee well-being and productivity. They contend that longer work hours can lead to burnout, decreased efficiency, and a poor work-life balance. Studies have shown that extended periods of work without adequate rest can result in increased stress levels, health problems, and reduced cognitive function. Moreover, limiting work hours encourages employees to prioritize their tasks and become more efficient within the given timeframe.
On the other hand, those who support flexible working hours argue that certain industries and situations require adaptability. In fields such as healthcare, emergency services, or project-based work, strict time limits could potentially compromise service quality or project outcomes. Additionally, some employees may prefer to work longer hours to complete important tasks or to accommodate personal schedules. Proponents of this view believe that as long as overtime is fairly compensated, it can benefit both the employer and the employee.
In my opinion, while the 8-hour workday should be the standard, there should be room for flexibility under specific circumstances. I believe that a balanced approach that prioritizes employee well-being while allowing for occasional extended hours when genuinely necessary is the most practical solution. However, it is crucial that employers do not abuse this flexibility and that proper compensation and rest periods are provided for any additional hours worked.
To achieve this balance, companies could implement policies that limit overtime to a certain number of hours per week or month. They could also offer alternative work arrangements such as compressed workweeks or flexible start and end times. These measures would help maintain work-life balance while still allowing for the occasional need for extended hours.
In conclusion, while the 8-hour workday is a valuable standard that promotes work-life balance, some flexibility is necessary in today’s diverse work environment. The key lies in finding a middle ground that respects employees’ need for rest and personal time while accommodating genuine business needs. Ultimately, fostering a culture that values both productivity and employee well-being will lead to more sustainable and successful organizations.
(343 words)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate about working hours is a hot topic these days. Some people think workers shouldn’t work more than 8 hours a day, while others say bosses should be able to ask for longer hours when needed. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support the 8-hour limit say it’s good for workers’ health and happiness. When people work too much, they get tired and stressed. This can make them sick and less productive. Also, having time after work is important for family and hobbies. If people work too much, they might not have a good life outside of work.
On the other hand, some think longer hours are sometimes necessary. In some jobs, like doctors or firefighters, emergencies can happen anytime. These workers might need to stay longer to help people. Also, some companies have busy times when they need extra work to finish projects. If they can’t ask workers to stay longer, it might be bad for business.
In my opinion, I think the 8-hour day is a good rule, but there should be some flexibility. It’s important to have a balance between work and life, but sometimes extra hours are needed. However, bosses should not ask for too much overtime, and they should pay extra for it. They should also give workers time off to rest after working long hours.
I think companies should have clear rules about overtime. They could limit how many extra hours people can work each week. They could also let workers choose flexible hours or work from home sometimes. This way, workers can have a good life outside work, but companies can still get important work done when needed.
In conclusion, while the 8-hour workday is a good standard, some flexibility can be helpful. The most important thing is to respect workers’ need for rest and personal time, while also meeting business needs. If companies and workers can find a good balance, everyone can be happier and more successful.
(309 words)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Working hours is a big topic now. Some say workers should only work 8 hours a day. Others think bosses should ask for more hours when they need to. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.
People who like the 8-hour day think it’s good for workers. When people work too much, they get very tired. This can make them sick and do bad work. Also, people need time for family and fun things. If they work too much, they can’t do other things they like.
But some people think longer hours are okay sometimes. In some jobs, like doctors, they might need to work more in emergencies. Also, some companies have busy times and need more work done. If workers can’t work more, it might be bad for the company.
I think the 8-hour day is good, but sometimes more work is needed. It’s important to have time for work and life, but sometimes extra work is important. But bosses should not ask for too much extra work. They should pay more money for extra time and let workers rest after.
I think companies should have rules about extra work. They could say how many extra hours people can work each week. They could also let people choose when to start and finish work. This way, workers can have a good life, but companies can still get work done when they need to.
In the end, the 8-hour day is good, but some changes can help. The most important thing is to think about what workers and companies both need. If they can find a good way to work together, everyone can be happy and do well.
(272 words)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Presents ideas coherently and cohesively using a variety of cohesive devices
- Demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, though there may be some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Shows relatively good grammatical control with occasional errors
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- Uses only a limited range of structures with limited accuracy
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but this does not impede communication
Key Vocabulary to Remember
-
work-life balance (noun) – /wɜːrk laɪf ˈbæləns/
The division of one’s time and focus between working and family or leisure activities. -
burnout (noun) – /ˈbɜːrnaʊt/
Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress. -
productivity (noun) – /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/
The effectiveness of productive effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input. -
flexibility (noun) – /ˌfleksəˈbɪləti/
The quality of bending easily without breaking; willingness to change or compromise. -
compensation (noun) – /ˌkɒmpənˈseɪʃn/
Something, typically money, awarded to someone in recognition of loss, suffering, or injury. -
prioritize (verb) – /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/
To designate or treat (something) as more important than other things. -
adaptability (noun) – /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/
The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions or situations. -
sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/
Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level. -
compromise (noun/verb) – /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/
An agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. -
cognitive function (noun phrase) – /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˈfʌŋkʃn/
Mental processes that lead to the acquisition of knowledge and understanding.
In conclusion, mastering the art of discussing work-life balance in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a deep understanding of the topic, strong language skills, and the ability to present a well-structured argument. Practice writing essays on this theme, as it’s likely to appear in future exams. You might encounter variations such as discussing the impact of technology on work-life balance or debating the merits of a four-day workweek. Remember to always address all parts of the question, use relevant examples, and clearly state your opinion.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing abilities and prepare you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.