IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1467 - Employers should give their staff at least four weeks' holiday
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think employers should give their staff at least four weeks' holiday per year to improve their job performance.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
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]
It is widely advocated that employees should be granted a minimum of four weeks vacation annually to enhance their job performance. I wholeheartedly agree with this assertion due to the myriad of benefits it brings to the workforce.
Primarily, ample vacation time rejuvenates employees, leading to increased productivity upon their return to work. Breaks offer a chance for relaxation and detachment from the job's daily pressures, reducing stress levels. This mental rejuvenation can significantly boost motivation and creativity, enabling employees to tackle tasks with renewed energy and innovative approaches. For instance, research by several prominent institutions has shown that employees returning from holidays tend to exhibit higher levels of efficiency and problem-solving abilities. Therefore, holidays of at least four weeks not only help employees perform better but also increase their job satisfaction level.
Moreover, extended periods of leave foster a healthier work-life balance, ensuring the overall well-being of employees. Personal time off allows individuals to nurture their mental health, bond with family and friends, pursue hobbies, or explore new experiences. This, in turn, encourages a more motivated and committed workforce upon their return, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced burnout rates. For example, a survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review indicated that employees who took at least four weeks of vacation annually exhibited a 30% increase in job satisfaction compared to those who took fewer days off. The study also found that individuals who had ample vacation time reported lower rates of burnout and higher levels of engagement and commitment to their jobs upon returning to work.
In conclusion, offering employees a substantial amount of annual leave undoubtedly contributes to a more contented and productive workforce. By providing sufficient time for relaxation and personal pursuits, companies not only enhance employee well-being but also witness heightened job performance and overall efficiency.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
In today’s fast-paced working environment, the importance of employee well-being and productivity has become a central topic. Some people believe that a minimum of four weeks’ annual leave is essential to enhance job performance. While this may seem like a logical assumption, I disagree with this view because extended holidays do not always guarantee better work outcomes and can have adverse effects on business operations.
To begin with, productivity is not solely dependent on the length of a worker’s holiday but rather on how effectively time is managed and how well-supported employees feel at work. In fact, too long a break from work may lead to reduced focus and slower reintegration when employees return. For example, professionals who take extended leaves often require additional time to catch up on tasks and adjust to workplace updates, which can disrupt workflow and reduce overall efficiency.
Moreover, mandating a minimum of four weeks' holiday for all staff could negatively impact small and medium-sized businesses that rely on their teams to maintain daily operations. For instance, in industries like hospitality or retail, where profit margins are tight and staffing levels are modest, long absences can burden remaining employees and compromise service quality. Flexibility in holiday policy, tailored to the needs of both the employer and employee, is more practical and fair than imposing a universal standard.
In conclusion, while time off is essential for rest and recovery, a blanket requirement of four weeks’ holiday for all employees is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The approach that takes into account business needs and employee preferences is likely to yield better outcomes for both productivity and staff well-being.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people think employers should give their staff at least four weeks' holiday per year to improve their job performance.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay.
The main question of this essay:
Should employers give their staff at least four weeks’ holiday per year to improve job performance?
Arguments in favour of giving at least four weeks of annual leave:
1. Reduces stress and prevents burnout:
Extended holidays allow employees to recharge mentally and physically, lowering the risk of burnout and stress-related illnesses. This leads to better focus and resilience at work. For example, countries like Germany and France, which have generous leave policies, consistently report higher employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
2. Improves employee loyalty and retention:
Generous holiday allowances signal to staff that their well-being is valued, fostering loyalty and reducing turnover rates. For instance, companies with longer leave policies often report lower staff attrition, saving costs related to recruitment and training.
3. Boosts productivity upon return:
After an extended break, many workers return with renewed energy, creativity, and motivation, contributing to improved output. For example, research by the Harvard Business Review shows that employees who take regular extended breaks demonstrate higher innovation and engagement at work.
4. Supports work-life balance and mental health:
Long holidays offer time for personal commitments, hobbies, and family, promoting better emotional well-being. For example, parents with school-age children benefit from extended time off to bond and engage in meaningful family activities.
5. Encourages planning and delegation:
Knowing a longer break is approaching, employees plan more efficiently and delegate responsibilities effectively, enhancing team collaboration. For example, managers often train subordinates to take charge during leave periods, promoting skill development and team trust.
Arguments against making four weeks of holiday mandatory:
1. Disrupts business operations, especially for small firms:
Extended leave can strain businesses with limited staff, affecting productivity and customer service. For example, small restaurants or retail outlets may struggle to cover shifts when multiple employees are on holiday.
2. Not all employees need or benefit from long breaks:
Some individuals prefer shorter, more frequent breaks and may not utilise a full four-week leave effectively. For instance, high-energy workers or freelancers often feel disengaged when away from work for too long.
3. Loss of momentum and decreased focus after long leave:
A lengthy absence can lead to a loss of workflow continuity, requiring time to get back on track. For example, returning employees often need refresher sessions or time to catch up on project developments.
4. Increased burden on colleagues:
During long absences, remaining staff may need to take on additional responsibilities, leading to stress or resentment. For example, a team of five may be overstretched if one member is on a month-long vacation during a peak period.
5. One-size-fits-all policies may be impractical:
Not all industries or roles can afford the same level of leave due to their nature or customer demands. For instance, emergency services, healthcare, and customer-facing sectors may require more flexible and situational leave policies.
Some people think employers should give their staff at least four weeks' holiday per year to improve their job performance.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Answer:
The competition in the market has only intensified, driving companies to tighten their control over workers. In light of that, some are convinced that in order to increase the effectiveness of staff, employers should provide them the opportunity to have at least four weeks off during a year. I support this notion and will elaborate on why in the following paragraphs.
It is widely acknowledged that without proper rest, the human body becomes less productive and, in extreme cases, ceases to function. Extensive pressure deteriorates human cognitive abilities: concentration, attention, memory, and perception. That condition can lead to lowered product quality and production errors, let alone dire situations putting the lives of an employee and their colleagues in danger. One can imagine how many air crashes would have been prevented had pilots not been sleep-deprived or overwhelmed by many previous flights before getting airborne.
Furthermore, it is important to consider that a policy enabling an employee to determine the holiday schedules of a worker could give too much power to the former over the latter. Driven by profit, corporations will exploit their personnel as much as they can to ensure their competence in the market. The laws of capitalism imply that a business shall grow. Otherwise, it goes bankrupt, being unable to withstand the tribulation of the modern economy. Such a tendency might not be conspicuous in the first world countries where, after more than a century of the union movement, American and European workers achieve the recognition of their rights. However, the workers of undeveloped states are still suffering from many disadvantages and abysmal work conditions, deprived of many means of legally fighting for what they inherently deserve as men.
Considering all the aforementioned points, I believe that recognition of the right to have a holiday annually for any worker, regardless of their position in the corporate hierarchy, is an important step that we can take to advance towards a more equal and better future.
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