This Essay Scored a Band 8 in IELTS. Here’s Why and How You Can Do It Too.

Ever wondered what a Band 8 IELTS Writing Task 2 essay actually looks like? It can feel like a mystery, but achieving a high score is not about using impossibly complex language. It’s about control, structure, and effectively answering the question.

To demystify the process, we’re going to break down a sample essay that would achieve a Band 8. We’ll show you the full text, analyse it against the official IELTS marking criteria, and explain the specific techniques you can apply to your own writing.

Let’s get started.

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some businesses argue that working from home is more productive, while others believe that the office environment is essential for collaboration and company culture.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Band 8 Sample Essay

The global shift towards remote work has sparked a significant debate regarding productivity and workplace dynamics. While many organisations champion the efficiency gains of working from home, a compelling argument remains for the indispensable role of the traditional office in fostering collaboration and a cohesive company culture. This essay will examine both perspectives before concluding that a hybrid model may offer the most advantageous solution.

On the one hand, the case for remote work is substantiated by clear benefits in productivity and employee well-being. When individuals work from home, they are often liberated from the daily commute, a source of considerable stress and lost time for many. This reclaimed time can be redirected towards work or personal life, leading to enhanced job satisfaction and reduced burnout. Furthermore, a home environment can be tailored to individual preferences, minimising the distractions of a noisy, open-plan office and allowing for periods of deep, uninterrupted concentration. For instance, a recent study by Stanford University indicated that remote workers were, on average, 13% more productive than their office-based counterparts, citing a quieter working environment as a key factor.

Conversely, the office environment provides a unique and vital platform for spontaneous collaboration and the organic development of company culture. Physical proximity facilitates informal interactions—the quick chat by the coffee machine or an impromptu brainstorming session—that are often the catalysts for innovation and effective problem-solving. These serendipitous encounters are notoriously difficult to replicate in a virtual setting, which typically relies on scheduled, formal meetings. Moreover, a shared physical workspace is instrumental in building a strong sense of community and shared purpose among colleagues. This communal spirit is the bedrock of a robust company culture, which can suffer from erosion when employees are physically disconnected, potentially leading to feelings of isolation and a weaker allegiance to the organisation.

In my view, while both arguments hold considerable merit, neither remote nor office work represents a perfect, one-size-fits-all solution. The undeniable productivity gains and flexibility of remote work cannot be ignored, yet the value of in-person collaboration and cultural cohesion is equally critical for long-term business success. Therefore, I am convinced that the most effective approach is a hybrid model. This blended framework allows businesses to harness the focused productivity of remote work while simultaneously using dedicated office days to foster teamwork, mentorship, and a vibrant corporate culture. Such a model offers a pragmatic compromise that addresses the valid points of both sides of the debate.

Why This Essay Gets a Band 8: The Breakdown

1. Task Achievement (How well the question was answered)

• All parts addressed: The essay clearly discusses the view that working from home is productive (Paragraph 2) and the view that the office is essential (Paragraph 3).
• Clear Opinion: The writer gives a clear, well-supported opinion in the final paragraph (“I am convinced that the most effective approach is a hybrid model”). This opinion is introduced in the introduction and developed as a logical conclusion.
• Fully Developed Ideas: Each point is extended with explanations and a specific example (the Stanford University study).

2. Coherence and Cohesion (How well the essay is structured)

• Logical Paragraphing: The essay uses the classic four-paragraph structure. Each paragraph has a clear central topic.
• Effective Linking: Notice the use of cohesive devices that create a smooth flow:
  • “On the one hand…” / “Conversely…” clearly signposts the two opposing views.
  • “Furthermore…” and “Moreover…” add to points logically.
  • “For instance…” introduces the example clearly.
  • “In my view…” and “Therefore…” signal the writer’s opinion and conclusion.
• Clear Introduction: The introduction paraphrases the question and provides a roadmap for the entire essay.

3. Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)

The essay uses sophisticated, topic-specific vocabulary accurately and flexibly.

• Synonyms and Paraphrasing: Instead of repeating “work from home,” it uses “remote work,” “virtual setting,” and “physically disconnected.”
• Advanced Vocabulary: Words like “indispensable,” “cohesive,” “substantiated,” “liberated,” “serendipitous encounters,” and “pragmatic compromise” are used correctly and effectively.
• Collocations: Phrases like “sparked a significant debate,” “fostering collaboration,” “organic development,” and “robust company culture” show a natural command of English.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Sentence Variety: The essay uses a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
  • Complex Sentence Example: “Physical proximity facilitates informal interactions—the quick chat by the coffee machine or an impromptu brainstorming session—that are often the catalysts for innovation and effective problem-solving.”
• Control and Accuracy: The grammar is consistently accurate with very few, if any, errors. It demonstrates control over punctuation (like the em-dash for effect), verb tenses, and sentence structure.

Your Turn to Practice

Reading a Band 8 essay is one thing; writing one is another. The key takeaway is that high scores are built on a foundation of clear structure, logical arguments, and precise language—not on memorising a list of “wow” words. The only way to master this is through consistent, timed practice.

Stop wondering if you’re ready. Know you’re ready. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Visit our website and sign up for the ultimate IELTS mock test experience. Take the first real step towards acing your Writing Task 2 today. Your dream score is just a signup away.