When asked to choose between a life without work and working

IELTS Band 9 Essay About When asked to choose between a life without work and working most of the time, people would always choose not to work

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “When asked to choose between a life without work and working most of the time, people would always choose not to work”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

When asked to choose between a life without work and working most of the time, people would always choose not to work.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Many individuals envision a life free from work, believing it would lead to ultimate happiness and contentment. However, this perspective overlooks the fundamental role that work plays in human fulfillment and societal cohesion. While excessive work can lead to burnout, a life devoid of employment is unlikely to result in long-term satisfaction. Therefore, I disagree with the statement that people would always choose not to work.

To begin with, work provides a sense of purpose and identity, which are essential to overall well-being. Numerous psychological studies indicate that individuals who engage in meaningful work experience higher levels of self-worth and mental stability. For instance, retirees often struggle with feelings of aimlessness, despite having financial security. This suggests that the absence of work can contribute to psychological distress, rather than euphoria.

Furthermore, employment fosters social interaction and strengthens community bonds. The workplace is a primary setting for building relationships, collaborating on shared goals, and developing a sense of belonging. Without these interactions, individuals may experience isolation, which has been linked to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. This contradicts the idea that people would always choose not to work.

Nevertheless, excessive work can be detrimental, leading to physical exhaustion and emotional fatigue. In highly competitive societies, employees frequently work long hours, sacrificing leisure and personal relationships. This lifestyle can erode overall quality of life, leading some to believe that a life without work would be preferable. However, rather than eliminating work altogether, a more balanced approach should be pursued, where individuals can engage in meaningful employment while maintaining sufficient leisure time.

In conclusion, while an overwhelming workload can be harmful, the complete absence of work is neither desirable nor sustainable. Employment contributes to personal growth, mental well-being, and social integration, making it an indispensable aspect of life. A moderate approach, rather than an extreme one, is the ideal solution to achieving both productivity and happiness.

5 Academic Words in the sample for When asked to choose between a life without work and working

Envision (/ɪnˈvɪʒ.ən/)
- Many people envision a future where technology eliminates tedious tasks.
Cohesion (/koʊˈhiː.ʒən/)
- The success of any organization depends on the cohesion of its team members.
Burnout (/ˈbɜːrn.aʊt/)
- Employees who work excessively without breaks often suffer from burnout.
Sustainable (/səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/)
- Renewable energy sources provide a sustainable solution to environmental challenges.
Moderate (/ˈmɒd.ər.ət/)
- A moderate approach to exercise can improve health without causing injury.

5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay

Complex Sentences with Dependent Clauses
- “While excessive work can lead to burnout, a life devoid of employment is unlikely to result in long-term satisfaction.”
- This structure enhances coherence by linking contrasting ideas effectively.
Use of Noun Phrases for Formality
- “The workplace is a primary setting for building relationships, collaborating on shared goals, and developing a sense of belonging.”
- This makes the writing more sophisticated by condensing information into structured phrases.
Passive Voice for Objectivity
- “This suggests that the absence of work can contribute to psychological distress, rather than euphoria.”
- The passive structure shifts focus to the idea rather than the subject, making it sound more formal.
Parallel Structure for Emphasis
- “Employment contributes to personal growth, mental well-being, and social integration.”
- The parallel structure makes the writing more fluid and impactful.
Cleft Sentence for Emphasis
- “It is employment that provides individuals with a sense of identity and purpose.”
- This structure highlights the key point, making the argument more persuasive.

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