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Academic Discussion prompt

Should companies allow employees to work remotely full-time, or should they require some in-office presence? What is your view?

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

1 sample answerWork

The prompt

As it appears in practice

Remote work, or working from home, has become increasingly common, especially since the global pandemic. While many employees appreciate the flexibility and elimination of commute time, some employers worry about productivity, team collaboration, and company culture. The debate continues about whether remote work should become a permanent option.

Sample answers, by band

1 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
I believe companies should allow employees to work remotely full-time only when the nature of the job makes it possible. In general, a flexible model that combines remote work with some in-office presence is the most effective solution. On one hand, remote work offers several advantages. Employees save time and money by avoiding daily commuting, which can reduce stress and improve work-life balance. In addition, many workers are more productive at home because they can organize their schedules more independently and work in a comfortable environment. For companies, remote work can also lower operational costs, such as office rent and utilities. On the other hand, requiring some in-office presence is still important. Face-to-face interaction encourages teamwork, stronger communication, and faster problem-solving. It is also easier for managers to supervise projects and help employees feel connected to the company culture. For these reasons, I believe a hybrid system is the best option. It allows employees to benefit from flexibility while still maintaining collaboration and professional relationships within the workplace.

What worked

  • Clear Position
  • Balanced Argument
  • Logical Conclusion

What cost points

  • Lack of Specific Examples
  • Generalization
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