Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-05

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 6.0)

Life often presents us with difficult circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial hardship. Opinions differ on whether it is wiser to accept these situations or to strive for improvement. Both perspectives have merit.

On one hand, acceptance can bring peace of mind. Some people believe that constantly fighting against reality only increases stress. For example, if someone lives in an area with limited employment opportunities, they may have no choice but to remain in a job they dislike. In such cases, acceptance allows them to focus on the positives, such as stability or family support. Philosophical traditions like Stoicism also encourage individuals to endure hardship with dignity, emphasizing control over one’s attitude rather than external circumstances.

On the other hand, striving to improve one’s situation often leads to growth and opportunity. Many individuals who were dissatisfied with their jobs pursued further education or developed new skills, eventually finding more fulfilling careers. Similarly, those facing financial shortages may explore budgeting strategies or side projects to increase income. This proactive approach not only improves material conditions but also provides hope and motivation, which are essential for long-term well-being.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is best. Acceptance is useful when change is impossible in the short term, but it should not lead to complacency. People should accept temporary difficulties while actively seeking ways to improve their future. This combination of resilience and ambition ensures both peace of mind and progress.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the essay falls short of the 250-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. While the arguments regarding acceptance and proactive improvement are relevant and logically presented, they remain somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, the response needs more depth, perhaps by including a more detailed personal example or a more nuanced exploration of the consequences of each approach. The position is consistent throughout, but the lack of length prevents a fully developed discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving from the benefits of acceptance to the advantages of proactive change. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In such cases' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is appropriate and precise for the topic. The student uses a range of relevant terms such as 'financial hardship', 'proactive approach', 'complacency', and 'resilience'. The language is natural and conveys the intended meaning without difficulty. While there are no major errors in word choice, the range of vocabulary is sufficient rather than wide or sophisticated. To achieve a higher score, the student could incorporate more idiomatic expressions or less common collocations to demonstrate greater flexibility and precision in their writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The use of complex structures, such as 'Many individuals who were dissatisfied with their jobs pursued further education...', is handled well. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of sentences are error-free, which is a strong indicator of grammatical control. To improve further, the student could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences or more advanced passive constructions.

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