Writing Task 2 · Discussion (both views and your opinion)

Working in a team versus alone: discuss both views: IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay question with a Band 8 sample answer, the plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and what an examiner looks for.
  • 257 words
  • Discussion (both views and your opinion)
  • General Training
  • 40 minutes

The question

Some think it's better to work in a team, others prefer working alone. Discuss both sides.

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Discussion (both views and your opinion)

Plan before you write

  1. 1

    Your position

    While independent work fosters personal focus, I believe that collaborative environments generally yield more innovative results.

  2. 2

    Paragraph 2

    Working alone allows individuals to maintain complete control over their tasks and avoid the distractions of group dynamics.

  3. 3

    Paragraph 3

    Teamwork facilitates the exchange of diverse perspectives, which often leads to more sophisticated problem-solving outcomes.

  • →Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.
  • →Say where you stand in the introduction and again in the conclusion; the question asks for your opinion.
  • →Do not merge the two views into one paragraph; examiners look for both to be developed.

Model answer

Band 8 sample essay

Band 8257 words · use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences

Professional environments often require employees to choose between solitary tasks and collective efforts. While some argue that working independently is more efficient, others maintain that cooperation is superior. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that collaborative work is typically more advantageous for complex projects.

Working alone provides individuals with the autonomy to manage their own pace and maintain deep focus without interpersonal interruptions. By eliminating the necessity for constant communication, employees can avoid the inefficiencies often associated with group decision-making. For instance, software developers frequently prefer solitary conditions to write complex code, as this allows them to immerse themselves fully in the logic of their work without the potential for conflicting input from colleagues.

Conversely, participating in a team encourages a synergy that is difficult to achieve in isolation. When individuals with varied expertise collaborate, they can pool their knowledge to overcome hurdles that might baffle a single person. A clear example of this is seen in medical research, where interdisciplinary teams combine their specific insights to develop treatments for diseases more rapidly than a lone researcher could manage. This collective intellectual effort often results in higher-quality outcomes and fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

Ultimately, although solitary work is beneficial for tasks requiring singular concentration, collaboration generally drives better innovation and problem-solving capabilities. In my view, the ability to synthesize multiple viewpoints makes team-based work the more effective approach for the majority of modern professional challenges. Organisations that prioritise a collaborative culture are likely to achieve greater success than those that isolate their workforce.

Examiner's view

Why this scores Band 8

A Band 8 response earns high marks by providing a clear, logical progression of ideas with sophisticated vocabulary and precise topic development. A Band 6 answer typically fails by listing generic pros and cons without a clear opinion or by using repetitive, overused phrases that lack original analysis.

Now write it yourself, against the clock

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar from BandLadder AI, with the sentences that cost you marks highlighted.

Write it and get a band free →

8 words

Vocabulary from the essay

  • autonomy

    the freedom to act and think independently

  • synergy

    combined effect greater than the sum of parts

  • interdisciplinary

    involving several different academic or professional fields

  • synthesize

    combine different elements to form a coherent whole

  • interpersonal

    relating to relationships or communication between people

  • prioritise

    treat something as more important than other things

  • inefficiencies

    wasting time or effort during a specific process

  • solitary

    done or existing alone without other people

More words for this topic: IELTS vocabulary for work and careers.

Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "Working in a team versus alone: discuss both views"?+

Discussion (both views and your opinion). Give each view its own paragraph, explained fairly even where you disagree.

How many words should an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay be?+

At least 250 words, in about 40 minutes. This sample is 257 words, written to fit that time with five minutes left to check grammar.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?+

On four criteria: task response, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in your Writing band.

What is the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 8 answer here?+

A Band 8 response earns high marks by providing a clear, logical progression of ideas with sophisticated vocabulary and precise topic development. A Band 6 answer typically fails by listing generic pros and cons without a clear opinion or by using repetitive, overused phrases that lack original analysis.

Keep practising

More sample essays

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write it and get a band free