Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-26

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

It is often argued that people should accept difficult situations, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial problems, while others believe that they should make every effort to improve these circumstances. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that striving to improve one's situation is generally the better approach.

On the one hand, some people think it is wiser to accept unpleasant situations. One reason is that not everyone has the opportunity or resources to make immediate changes. For instance, an individual may continue working in a job they dislike because they need a stable income to support their family. Similarly, people experiencing financial difficulties may have no choice but to accept their circumstances until better opportunities arise. Accepting reality can also reduce unnecessary stress and help individuals focus on making the best of their current situation.

On the other hand, many people argue that individuals should actively seek to improve their lives rather than remain dissatisfied. By developing new skills, pursuing higher education, or searching for better employment, people can increase their chances of achieving long-term success. For example, many employees attend professional training courses to qualify for higher-paying jobs. Likewise, those facing financial hardship can improve their situation by learning new skills, starting a small business, or finding additional sources of income. Such efforts not only improve financial stability but also enhance self-confidence and overall quality of life.

In conclusion, although accepting difficult circumstances may be necessary in certain situations, I believe people should always strive to improve their conditions whenever possible. Taking positive action often leads to greater opportunities, personal growth, and a more fulfilling life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both perspectives—the argument for acceptance and the argument for improvement—and clearly stated your own position in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of professional training and starting a small business. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by exploring the potential negative consequences of constant striving, such as burnout, which would provide a more nuanced discussion of the 'acceptance' side of the argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, utilizing cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Similarly,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of the essay. The flow of information is natural, and the reader is guided through your argument without any confusion. The cohesion is managed well, making the text easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'financial hardship,' 'strive to improve,' and 'long-term success' are used effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more precise, less common lexical items or idiomatic collocations related to career progression or personal development. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and conveys your meaning clearly without any errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional-like structures ('if... then' implied) and participial phrases ('By developing new skills...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To move toward a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as inversion or more sophisticated relative clauses, to demonstrate even greater flexibility in your writing.

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