Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-27

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 8.0)

It is often argued that people should accept difficult situations such as poorly paiod job or financial hardships,While some believe that a person should make every effort to overcome hardships. Although, it is sometimes beneficial to accept the reality , I strongly belive that striving to overcome hardships is better approach.

On the one hand, there are valid reasons some people remain employed to low paying jobs and don't quit. In many cases, individuals have responsibilities or limitations that make change difficult. For example, someone with a family to support may prefer to remain in a stable but unsatisfying job rather than risk unemployment while searching for a better position. Similarly, people living in regions with limited employment opportunities may have little choice but to accept low wages. Furthermore, constantly pursuing change can lead to stress, disappointment, and financial uncertainty. As a result, accepting one's circumstances may provide emotional stability and allow people to focus on other aspects of life, such as family or personal well-being.

On the other hand, many people believe that making an effort to improve difficult situations is essential for both personal growth and long-term success. Individuals who actively seek better employment, acquire new skills, or pursue higher education often improve their career prospects and financial security. For instance, an employee who attends professional training courses may become qualified for a higher-paying position. Likewise, entrepreneurs who take calculated risks can create new opportunities for themselves despite initial financial difficulties. Without determination and the willingness to pursue improvement, many people would remain trapped in unsatisfactory circumstances throughout their lives.

In my opinion, while accepting reality may be appropriate in situations that cannot be changed immediately, people should not become complacent. Instead, they should continue working towards achievable goals while remaining realistic about the challenges they face. This balanced approach enables individuals to maintain stability in the short term while creating opportunities for a better future.

In conclusion, although accepting a difficult situation can sometimes reduce stress and provide security, I believe that making consistent efforts to improve one's circumstances is a more effective strategy. By developing new skills, seeking better opportunities, and maintaining perseverance, people are far more likely to achieve long-term success and personal fulfilment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You discussed both perspectives—the merits of accepting a difficult situation for stability and the benefits of striving for improvement—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. Your ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of family responsibilities versus the pursuit of professional training. The conclusion effectively synthesises your position. To reach a higher band, ensure that your introduction avoids minor grammatical errors that slightly distract from the clarity of your thesis statement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The transition between paragraphs is smooth, and the referencing is clear. The structure is well-managed, and the paragraphing is appropriate for an academic essay. The flow of information is natural, making the argument easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context, such as 'financial hardships', 'career prospects', 'complacent', and 'perseverance'. There is some flexibility in your word choice, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. While there are minor spelling errors (e.g., 'paiod', 'belive'), these do not impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There is a good command of subordinate clauses and conditional structures. While there are occasional errors—such as the comma splice in the first sentence ('hardships,While') and the misuse of 'Although' at the start of the third sentence—the majority of your sentences are error-free. Your punctuation is generally sound, and the errors present are non-systematic and do not cause difficulty for the reader. You have a solid grasp of grammar that supports your arguments well.

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