This essay topic was seen in a recent IELTS test in Algeria.
Last updated: 21 July 2024
Many people try to achieve a work-life balance but fail. Why is this happening? What can be done to help people overcome this problem?
Sample Band 8 Essay
Many people strive to achieve a work-life balance, but often find themselves failing despite their best efforts. This is not surprising, as balancing work and life commitments can be extremely difficult due to both having their unique stressors.
One of the major reasons why so many people struggle to achieve harmony between their personal and professional lives is that now it is easier than ever for people to stay connected outside of regular work hours. This has led to an expectation that employees should always be available, and they risk being seen as unreliable or uncommitted if they are not. A knock-on effect of longer working hours is that little time is left for leisure activities such as socialising or engaging in hobbies or sports, which help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. This type of pressure and lack of free time can lead to feelings of burnout, with no respite from life’s pressures, resulting in chronic fatigue and diminished motivation over time.
Helping those struggling to find a suitable work-life balance will require joint efforts of managers and employees. Workers, for instance, need to recognise the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the day and getting enough sleep each night, while employers should consider being more flexible when it comes to allowing staff to work remotely and offering paid vacation days. This will give employees space, both mentally and physically, enabling them to better manage their commitments without overextending themselves.
In conclusion, achieving a successful work-life balance is something that many cannot quite reach due to external pressures from employers and a lack of downtime. However, these issues can be overcome, if we create realistic boundaries between our professional lives and personal goals, and make conscious decisions about how we want to spend our time.
Teacher’s feedback:
Overall, your essay is a good example of IELTS Band 8 level writing.
Task Response: Band 8
The essay effectively addresses the two parts of the prompt, providing a thoughtful analysis of why achieving a work-life balance is challenging and offering practical solutions. The ideas are relevant and developed with clear examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The essay is well-organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, and each paragraph focuses on a single central idea, contributing to overall coherence. Cohesive devices such as “One of the major reasons,” “This has led to,” and “In conclusion” are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs.
Lexical Resource: Band 8
The essay demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with accurate and appropriate word choices. Terms such as “harmony,” “unique stressors,” “knock-on effect,” “burnout,” and “chronic fatigue” show a good command of language and are used effectively to convey the ideas. Additionally, phrases like “taking regular breaks,” “flexible when it comes to,” and “realistic boundaries” demonstrate a good grasp of collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8
The essay displays a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and appropriate use of conjunctions. The grammar is generally accurate, with only a few minor errors that do not make this essay any less clear.
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