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🎯 IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Some people believe that remote working benefits both employees and society. Others argue that working from the office is more effective.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📝 Sample Essay (Band 8–9, ~285 words)

In recent years, the rise of digital technology has transformed the way people work. While many believe that remote working offers advantages for individuals and society, others argue that traditional office-based employment remains more effective. Both perspectives will be examined before presenting my view.

On the one hand, remote work provides flexibility and convenience for employees. Without the need to commute, workers can save time and money, which often improves work-life balance. For instance, parents can spend more time with their children while still maintaining productivity. Moreover, society benefits when fewer people travel daily, as this reduces traffic congestion and pollution. In this sense, remote working contributes not only to individual well-being but also to environmental sustainability.

On the other hand, working from the office is considered by some to be more efficient. Face-to-face communication fosters teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving in ways that virtual meetings may not. Furthermore, being physically present allows managers to supervise staff more effectively and maintain organisational culture. For example, many innovative ideas in companies like Google and Apple have emerged from spontaneous office discussions rather than planned online meetings.

In my opinion, a hybrid approach that combines the strengths of both systems is ideal. Remote work is suitable for tasks requiring concentration and independence, while office work is better for collaboration and networking. If balanced correctly, this model can benefit employees, companies, and society as a whole.

In conclusion, while remote working offers flexibility and societal advantages, office-based work promotes collaboration and innovation. A combination of both methods is likely to represent the future of employment.

🔑 Useful Vocabulary

Work-life balance
Flexibility and convenience
Traffic congestion / environmental sustainability
Face-to-face communication
Organisational culture
Hybrid approach / collaboration / networking
Productivity / efficiency / supervision

🔗 Linking Words

Contrast: while, whereas, however, on the other hand
Addition: in addition, moreover, furthermore
Cause/Effect: therefore, as a result, consequently
Examples: for instance, for example, such as
Conclusion: in conclusion, overall, to sum up

✍️ Guidelines for Writing This Essay

1. Plan (5 minutes)

View 1 (remote work): saves time, improves work-life balance, reduces pollution.
View 2 (office work): teamwork, supervision, creativity.
Opinion: hybrid approach works best.
Outline:
- Intro: paraphrase + outline + thesis
- BP1: Benefits of remote work (with example)
- BP2: Benefits of office work (with example)
- BP3: Opinion (hybrid model)
- Conclusion: summarise & restate opinion

2. Structure

Introduction: Paraphrase topic + outline both views + thesis.
Body Paragraph 1: Remote work benefits (topic sentence, support, example).
Body Paragraph 2: Office work advantages (topic sentence, support, example).
Body Paragraph 3: Your opinion (hybrid).
Conclusion: Summarise main points and restate thesis.

3. Topic Sentences

BP1: “Remote working offers greater flexibility and benefits society through reduced commuting.”
BP2: “By contrast, working from the office is seen as more effective for teamwork and creativity.”
BP3: “In my view, a hybrid model combines the strengths of both approaches.”

4. Tips for Learners

Keep a balanced tone: discuss both views fairly before giving your opinion.
Use specific examples (Google, parents saving commute time, pollution reduction).
Maintain a formal style — avoid casual words like kids or bosses.
Ensure your conclusion is short and strong — no new ideas.
Use varied linking words to improve cohesion.