IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1529 - The working week should be shorter
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
The notion of shortening the working week and offering employees a longer weekend has gained considerable traction in recent years. I firmly agree that reducing the working week can bring substantial benefits to both workers and employers, ultimately enhancing productivity, well-being, and overall societal health.
Firstly, a shorter working week significantly improves employees' mental and physical well-being. Extended working hours often lead to burnout, stress, and fatigue, diminishing overall performance. With more time to rest and recharge, employees return to work more focused, creative, and motivated. For instance, several companies in countries like Sweden and New Zealand have successfully implemented four-day workweeks, reporting higher employee satisfaction and reduced absenteeism. This highlights that a well-rested workforce is often more efficient and innovative.
Moreover, having a longer weekend fosters a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to spend more quality time with their families, pursue hobbies, or engage in personal development activities. This holistic approach to life not only enhances individual happiness but also fosters a more harmonious society. For example, employees who enjoy ample leisure time are more likely to be loyal to their organisations, reducing turnover rates and associated costs for employers. Additionally, shorter working weeks contribute positively to the environment and economy. With fewer commutes, carbon emissions decrease, benefiting the environment. Economically, individuals with more free time often participate in recreational activities, boosting local businesses and tourism.
In conclusion, a shorter working week offers numerous advantages, including improved employee well-being, better work-life balance, and environmental and economic benefits. Embracing this change could lead to a more productive, satisfied, and sustainable workforce, making it a highly favourable approach.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
The idea of a shorter working week with a longer weekend for employees has been a topic of wide discussion in recent years with some countries even experimenting with it. While it may seem appealing, I disagree with this proposal. A reduced working week could negatively impact productivity, increase operational costs, and hinder overall economic growth, in my opinion.
Firstly, reducing working hours could lead to decreased productivity, particularly in industries where constant output is essential. Many businesses rely on a full five-day week to meet deadlines, manage workloads, and maintain efficiency. For instance, manufacturing and service industries often require consistent labour, and cutting working days might result in delays, lower output, and dissatisfied clients. This could eventually harm a company’s competitiveness and profitability.
Secondly, shorter working weeks could lead to increased operational costs. Employers might need to hire additional staff to cover the reduced hours of existing employees, especially in sectors that demand round-the-clock operations, such as healthcare, customer service, and logistics. This would not only strain company finances but could also lead to reduced salaries or job losses, negatively affecting workers' financial stability. Furthermore, a shorter working week could limit career growth and development opportunities. With fewer working days, employees may have less time for training, skill enhancement, and professional networking. This could result in slower career progression and diminished job satisfaction in the long run.
In conclusion, while a shorter working week may offer temporary benefits such as increased leisure time, the potential drawbacks, including reduced productivity, higher costs, and limited career advancement, outweigh these advantages. Maintaining the traditional five-day workweek ensures stability, efficiency, and sustained economic growth.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Do you agree or disagree that the working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend.
Essay Type: Opinion Essay.
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
Should the working week be shortened to allow for a longer weekend?
Arguments in Favour of a Shorter Working Week [Agreement]:
Improved work-life balance:
A shorter working week allows employees to spend more time with their families and engage in personal activities, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. When workers have more time to rest and pursue hobbies, they return to work refreshed and more productive. For example, countries like Sweden have experimented with a six-hour workday, leading to increased job satisfaction and better mental health among employees.
Increased productivity:
Studies show that employees who work fewer hours tend to be more focused and efficient during their working time. Longer hours do not necessarily equate to greater output, as fatigue and burnout can reduce overall effectiveness. For example, Microsoft's four-day workweek trial in Japan resulted in a 40% increase in productivity, demonstrating that fewer hours can lead to better results.
Improved mental health:
A shorter working week allows employees more time to rest, recharge, and engage in activities they enjoy, significantly improving their mental well-being. For example, countries like Iceland have observed reduced stress levels and increased happiness after trialling a four-day workweek.
Reduced traffic congestion and air pollution:
A shorter working week can help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in urban areas. With fewer commuting days, there would be a significant decrease in the number of vehicles on the roads, leading to smoother traffic flow and lower emissions. For example, when companies in a couple of countries implemented four-day workweeks, they observed a decline in peak-hour traffic congestion and a noticeable reduction in carbon emissions.
Arguments Against a Shorter Working Week [Disagreement]:
Higher costs for businesses:
Reducing working hours may require companies to hire additional employees to compensate for lost productivity, increasing labour costs. This could particularly impact industries where continuous operation is essential, such as healthcare and customer service. For example, in manufacturing sectors, reduced working hours could lead to slower production rates and financial strain on businesses.
Potential economic decline:
A shorter workweek could reduce overall economic output, especially in industries reliant on long hours to meet demand. If workers contribute fewer hours, national productivity may decline, affecting economic growth and international competitiveness. For example, countries with shorter working hours may struggle to compete with nations that have a more extensive workforce contributing to economic progress.
Reduced earnings for hourly workers:
Employees paid by the hour may suffer financial losses due to reduced working hours, affecting their overall income and quality of life. For example, part-time workers often struggle to meet their financial needs with fewer working hours.
Business operational challenges:
Companies that rely on continuous operations might face challenges in maintaining productivity with fewer working days. For example, industries like healthcare and customer service require constant staffing, making shorter weeks impractical.
Shorter working hours do not guarantee increased productivity:
While some argue that reducing working hours enhances efficiency, this is not always the case. Many industries require a certain number of working hours to meet deadlines, maintain customer service, or ensure smooth operations. A shorter workweek may lead to rushed tasks, lower quality output, and increased pressure on employees to complete the same workload in less time. For example, in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, reducing working hours without adjusting workloads could lead to staff shortages, higher stress levels, and a decline in service quality.
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