Remote work and its health implications have become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, particularly since 2020. This topic has appeared in various forms, focusing on both physical and mental health aspects. Let’s examine some recent exam questions and provide sample essays with detailed analysis.
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Similar to The effects of remote work on society, this topic requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives.
Some people believe that working from home has positive effects on people’s health, while others think it can be detrimental to physical and mental well-being. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Essay Analysis
This question requires a balanced discussion of both perspectives while also presenting a personal viewpoint. The key areas to address include:
- Physical health impacts (positive and negative)
- Mental health considerations
- Work-life balance effects
- Overall conclusion with personal stance
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The shift towards remote work has sparked considerable debate regarding its health implications, with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that working from home promotes better health outcomes, others contend that it poses significant risks to both physical and mental well-being.
Those who advocate for remote work’s health benefits highlight several compelling points. Firstly, employees can create personalized, ergonomic workspaces that suit their specific needs. Additionally, the elimination of commuting reduces stress and provides extra time for exercise and meal preparation. This flexibility often leads to improved sleep patterns and better work-life integration, as discussed in studies about how technology is reshaping healthcare delivery systems.
However, critics raise valid concerns about the potential negative health impacts. Physical inactivity can increase when working from home, as people move less between meetings and may lack proper office equipment. Moreover, the blurred boundaries between work and personal life can lead to longer working hours and increased screen time. Similar to the impact of remote work on urban infrastructure, these changes can have lasting effects on public health.
In my opinion, while remote work offers significant health advantages, its success depends largely on proper implementation and individual discipline. Organizations must provide adequate support and guidelines, while individuals need to establish healthy routines and boundaries.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Remote work has become very common nowadays, and people have different opinions about how it affects our health. I will discuss both the good and bad effects of working from home.
There are some good things about working from home. People don’t need to travel to work, so they feel less tired. They can also eat home-cooked food instead of buying lunch outside. Some workers say they can exercise more because they save time from not commuting.
However, working from home can also be bad for health. Many people sit for too long and don’t move much during the day. They might also feel lonely because they don’t meet their colleagues. Sometimes, people work longer hours at home because they can’t separate work time from rest time.
I think working from home can be good for health if people are careful. They should take regular breaks, exercise, and maintain a proper schedule. Companies should also help their workers by giving them good equipment and support.
Key Vocabulary
- Ergonomic (adj) /ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪk/ – designed for efficiency and comfort
- Work-life integration (n) /wɜːk-laɪf ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – balancing professional and personal life
- Sedentary (adj) /ˈsedəntri/ – involving little physical activity
- Proximity (n) /prɒkˈsɪməti/ – nearness in space or time
- Burnout (n) /ˈbɜːnaʊt/ – physical or mental collapse due to overwork
Conclusion
The topic of remote work’s health effects continues to be relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing about related topics such as:
- Technology’s impact on work-life balance
- Mental health in modern workplaces
- Physical activity in digital age
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.