Task 2 · · 18 samples

The working week should be shorter and workers should have a longer weekend. DO you agree or disagree?

Practise this task →

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • A longer weekend can provide time for rest, relationships, childcare, and personal interests.
  • Reducing unnecessary meetings and clarifying priorities may help teams use working hours more efficiently.
  • Continuous-staffing workplaces may need staggered shifts or a trial period to protect service coverage.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the proposal in your own words and state your position clearly.
  2. Explain how a shorter week could benefit workers’ wellbeing and personal responsibilities.
  3. Show how employers might benefit through more focused working practices.
  4. Acknowledge a practical limitation, such as the need for continuous staffing, and suggest a feasible response.
  5. Conclude by restating your position with the condition that implementation should be planned.
Useful vocabulary & examples
adequate recovery
enough time to rest and regain energy

Adequate recovery may help employees return to work with better focus.

operational coverage
having enough staff available to keep a service or workplace functioning

Careful shift planning can maintain operational coverage during a shorter week.

workload compression
fitting the same amount of work into a shorter period

Workload compression could increase pressure if tasks are not prioritised.

staggered shifts
work schedules arranged at different times so staff coverage is maintained

Staggered shifts may help a service operate throughout the week.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

306 words · Illustrative target band

Many people argue that the workweek should be shortened to provide workers with a longer weekend. However, I strongly disagree with this idea, as it could lead to various issues in terms of the economy and the standard of living. One of the most significant drawbacks of a shorter workweek is the potential decline in productivity. If employees work fewer hours, businesses may produce less, particularly in industries w…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

278 words · Illustrative target band

In today’s fast-paced world, the optimal length of the workweek is a topic of ongoing debate. While some believe long hours are necessary for productivity, I strongly advocate for a shorter workweek with longer weekends. This approach offers numerous benefits for both employee well-being and overall societal health. One compelling reason for a shorter workweek is that it can improve productivity rather than reduce it…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

359 words · Illustrative target band

In our modern society, a vast majority of people are employed. Having workdays shortened allows people to rest from exhausting work schedules with longer weekends. I agree with this statement due to the numerous benefits it brings, including increased productivity, improved mental health, and enhanced work-life balance. One of the primary benefits of a shorter week is the possibility of more predictable personal time…

Read full answer & analysis →