Recent IELTS Writing Task 2 - Number of holidays

Some people think that all full-time workers should receive the same number of holidays each year, while others believe that the amount of holiday should depend on the type of job. 
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

📌 Note: This question appeared in the PBT-IELTS Writing exam on 18th October, 2025 in Canada.

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Band 9 Sample Answer:

While some people are of the opinion that all full-time employees should receive the same number of holidays each year, others believe that the amount of annual leave should vary depending on the nature of the job. I side with the latter view.

On the one hand, there are some reasons why people support the idea of giving all workers an equal number of holidays. Firstly, having the same amount of leave can promote fairness and equality in the workplace. When everyone enjoys identical benefits, it helps prevent feelings of resentment among staff and contributes to a more harmonious working environment. Secondly, equal holidays can simplify company policies, making them easier to manage and reducing administrative disputes. For instance, employees would not need to compare entitlements or question why some colleagues receive more days off than others, which could help maintain good morale across the organisation.

On the other hand, I believe it is more reasonable to allocate holidays based on the type of work. Some professions, such as healthcare, construction, or teaching, are physically and mentally demanding. Workers in these fields require longer breaks to recover from fatigue and maintain efficiency. In contrast, office-based or less strenuous jobs may not necessitate the same amount of rest. Moreover, linking holiday entitlements to job demands can serve as a fair incentive system. Those who undertake high-stress or high-responsibility roles deserve additional compensation in the form of extra leave, which can improve motivation and job satisfaction. In this way, flexible holiday policies recognise the diversity of work rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

In conclusion, although equal holidays for all employees may promote fairness and simplicity, I believe that holiday entitlements should depend on the nature and intensity of the job, as this approach is more practical, motivating, and equitable.

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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

1. Task Response (Band 9)

• Fully addresses all parts of the question by discussing both views and presenting a clear opinion.
• The position is consistent throughout: supports holidays based on job type.
• Ideas are logically developed with clear reasoning and relevant examples.
• Arguments go beyond surface-level explanation — each is supported and extended.

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9)

• Follows the four-paragraph structure exactly as in your demo:
  1. Introduction (both views + opinion)
  2. First view (not supported)
  3. Second view (supported)
  4. Conclusion (balanced summary + restated opinion)
• Cohesive devices are used naturally: “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “On the other hand,” “Moreover,” “In this way.”
• Logical flow within and between paragraphs, with smooth transitions.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 9)

• Wide range of topic-specific and academic vocabulary:
  “entitlements,” “harmonious working environment,” “administrative disputes,” “physically and mentally demanding,” “one-size-fits-all approach.”
• Excellent collocations: “promote fairness,” “maintain good morale,” “high-stress roles,” “holiday entitlements.”
• Vocabulary is precise, varied, and used naturally without repetition or awkward phrasing.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9)

• Uses complex and compound sentences with flawless control:
  • “Some professions, such as healthcare, construction, or teaching, are physically and mentally demanding.”
  • “Linking holiday entitlements to job demands can serve as a fair incentive system.”
• Perfect use of tenses, articles, and prepositions.
• Entire essay is error-free and demonstrates full grammatical flexibility.

Overall Band: 9.0

This essay deserves Band 9 because it:

• Fully satisfies every part of the task.
• Maintains a clear, well-developed argument.
• Uses advanced vocabulary and cohesion naturally.
• Demonstrates grammatical range with full accuracy and fluency.

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