Nowadays people normally stretch their work hours and get stressed as a result. What are the reasons for this? What employers can do to make people’s life easier?
Sample Response
In today's fast-paced world, it is common for individuals to extend their work hours and become stressed as a result. This essay will explore the reasons for this trend and suggest ways in which employers can alleviate the stress.
One of the main reasons why people are working longer hours is the pressure to meet work deadlines. In many industries, such as finance or technology, there is an expectation to work long hours in order to meet the demands of the job. Furthermore, job insecurity is another factor that motivates employees to work longer hours in order to demonstrate their commitment to their employer.
Another reason why people are working longer hours is because of technological advancements. With the rise of smartphones and laptops, individuals can work from anywhere and anytime, which can blur the boundaries between work and personal life. This makes it difficult for individuals to disconnect from work, resulting in longer work hours and increased stress.
Employers can take several steps to reduce employee stress caused by extended work hours. Firstly, they can offer flexible working hours or remote work options to employees, which allows them to balance their work and personal life. Additionally, they can offer mental health programs or counselling services to help employees cope with stress.
In conclusion, the pressure to meet work deadlines and technological advancements are two major reasons why individuals are working longer hours and becoming stressed. However, employers can take steps to alleviate this stress by offering flexible work arrangements and support services. Ultimately, a healthy work-life balance is essential for both employees and employers, and efforts should be made to achieve this balance.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use a clear reference Original: the Suggested revision: this Why it matters: The demonstrative links the stress directly to the preceding description of the trend.
- 2. Use concise wording Original: in order to meet the demands Suggested revision: to meet the demands Why it matters: The infinitive alone expresses purpose, so “in order” is unnecessary.
- 3. Remove needless wording Original: in order to demonstrate Suggested revision: to demonstrate Why it matters: The shorter infinitive states the purpose clearly.
- 4. Correct the time phrase Original: anywhere and anytime Suggested revision: anywhere and at any time Why it matters: The time expression requires “at,” unlike the place adverb “anywhere.”
- 5. Use natural wording Original: resulting in longer work hours Suggested revision: leading to longer working hours Why it matters: “Working hours” is the more natural expression for time spent working.
- 6. Use a concise sequencer Original: Firstly Suggested revision: First Why it matters: “First” is the more concise transition when only a short sequence follows.
- 7. Match the plural antecedent Original: allows Suggested revision: allow Why it matters: The relative verb should agree with the plural “hours or remote work options.”
- 8. Match the plural reference Original: life Suggested revision: lives Why it matters: The plural “lives” agrees with the multiple employees referred to by “them.”
- 9. Use consistent British English Original: programs Suggested revision: programmes Why it matters: “Programmes” is consistent with the British spelling “counselling” in the same sentence.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: Another reason why people are working longer hours is because of technological advancements. Suggested revision: Another reason people are working longer hours is technological advancement. Why it matters: The rewrite removes the redundant combination of “reason” and “because.”
- 11. Separate the two measures Suggested revision: Present flexible work arrangements and mental-health support as two clearly separated measures, each followed by its stated purpose. Why it matters: This would make the progression from each employer action to its benefit easier to follow.
Suggested Rewrites
- the this
- in order to meet the demands to meet the demands
- in order to demonstrate to demonstrate
- anywhere and anytime anywhere and at any time
- resulting in longer work hours leading to longer working hours
- Firstly First
Why this response received Band 8.0
The essay answers both questions directly and develops a clear explanation of deadlines, job insecurity, and technology before proposing flexible work and mental-health support. Its strongest feature is the clean logical structure and consistent focus. The main limitation is that the employer solutions are somewhat brief and generic compared with the causes. Prioritise explaining how workload limits, right-to-disconnect policies, or staffing changes would reduce overtime at its source.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both parts are fully addressed with relevant, clearly explained causes and practical employer responses, though the solutions could be developed further.
Extend one structural solution, such as realistic deadlines or a right-to-disconnect policy, and explain precisely how it would reduce excessive hours and stress.
Coherence and Cohesion
Focused paragraphs, clear topic sentences, and natural transitions create strong progression from causes to solutions and conclusion.
Reduce minor repetition of 'working longer hours' by using concise references once the topic is established.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is flexible and precise for workplace pressure, technology, stress, and employer support, with only minor repetition.
Broaden the solution language with terms such as 'workload management', 'staffing levels', 'right to disconnect', and 'burnout prevention'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, with only rare localised agreement or preposition errors.
Refine phrases such as 'work from anywhere at any time' and ensure plural subjects agree in 'options, which allow employees'.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Nowadays people normally stretch their work hours and get stressed as a result. What are the reasons for this? What employers can do to make people’s life easier?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.