IELTS Writing Task 2 prompt
Some people think that working from home is better for employees. Others believe it makes work less productive. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Source practice test: IELTS Writing Test 4
Band 9 model answer
Expert-level response
Remote work has become a permanent feature of many industries, and opinions differ sharply about whether it helps employees or reduces productivity. I believe working from home is beneficial when tasks are measurable and employees have suitable conditions, but it is less effective for roles that depend on close supervision or rapid collaboration.
For employees, the advantages are significant. Working from home removes commuting time, which can improve sleep, family life and overall wellbeing. It also allows people to design a quieter work routine and, in some cases, live outside expensive city centres. These benefits can make employees more loyal and focused because they are no longer wasting hours travelling to perform tasks that could be completed on a laptop. Employers may also save office costs when fewer desks are needed each day overall.
The productivity concern is also reasonable. Some workers find it difficult to separate home life from professional duties, especially if they share a small apartment or care for children. Communication can become slower when every small question requires a message or video call. New employees may also miss informal learning, such as watching how experienced colleagues handle clients or solve problems under pressure.
In my opinion, the solution is not to declare remote work either perfect or harmful. Companies should use a hybrid model: independent tasks, writing, coding and analysis can be done at home, while training, creative planning and sensitive meetings are better in person. Used selectively, home working improves employee satisfaction without sacrificing performance.
Why this meets Band 9
- The opinion is specific and sustained throughout the essay.
- Both sides are developed with realistic reasons rather than a list of unsupported claims.
- Cohesion is understated, with clear paragraph logic and varied referencing.
- Grammar is accurate across complex clauses, conditionals and contrast structures.
Band 6 sample answer
Competent but limited response
In recent years many people have started to work from home. Some people think this is better for employees, but others say workers become less productive. I partly agree with the first view because it depends on the type of job.
Working from home can be good for employees. They do not have to travel to the office every day, so they can save time and money. They may also feel more comfortable in their own house. For example, a person who writes reports can finish the work without noise from the office. This can make workers happier and less tired. Parents can also look after small family needs during breaks, so their life may become more balanced.
However, there are some problems. At home, some people cannot concentrate because of family members, television or other things. It is also harder for managers to check what employees are doing. In addition, teamwork may be slower because people cannot discuss face to face. Because of this, some projects can take more time than before. New workers may also feel isolated if they do not meet colleagues in person.
To conclude, working from home is useful for many office jobs, but it is not suitable for every company. I think employers should allow it for some days and ask staff to come to office when teamwork is needed. This can give workers freedom without losing the benefit of direct communication. It may also reduce stress because workers know when they must meet others.
Why this sits around Band 6
- The response covers both views and gives a reasonable opinion, but the position is not as fully refined as Band 9.
- Paragraphing is clear, yet transitions are predictable and sometimes basic.
- Vocabulary is functional but limited, with repeated words such as 'work', 'employees' and 'office'.
- The grammar is mostly clear, with a few awkward phrases such as 'come to office'.
What examples work well for a work-from-home IELTS essay?
Use examples tied to job type, such as coding, report writing, customer support, training or creative planning. This is stronger than vague examples about all employees.