Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-10
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 7.0)
In today’s world, there are two contrasting views regarding how to handle a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job, a financial hardship or an unfavourable situation. Some people suggest that it is best to accept the situation as it is and try to make the most of it while others argue that it is better to take action and try to improve it. In my opinion, while acceptance has its merits in certain situations, it is more reasonable to try and improve the situation to achieve a better outcome.
On the one hand, those who advocate for acceptance believe that it can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Acceptance of a situation that cannot be changed can help individuals focus on the things they can control and allow them to live in the present moment. For instance, a person with a low-paying job may choose to accept the situation and focus on building their skills and knowledge for future career opportunities.
On the other hand, those who argue for taking action believe that acceptance can lead to complacency and lack of motivation. By accepting a bad situation, individuals may miss out on opportunities to improve their circumstances and achieve their goals. For example, a person with a shortage of money may choose to take on extra work or seek financial assistance to improve their financial situation.
In my view, while acceptance can be useful in certain situations, it is often better to take action and strive for improvement. Without action, individuals may be resigned to a life of mediocrity, missing out on opportunities for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, taking action can help individuals build resilience and develop problem-solving skills, which can be useful in various areas of life.
In conclusion, while some argue that it is best to accept a favourable circumstance, others contend that it is better to try and improve it. While acceptance can be helpful in certain situations, in my view, taking action and striving for improvement is often the best course of action. By doing so, individuals can achieve better outcomes and build valuable skills that can be used in various areas of life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of low-paying jobs and financial hardship. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more nuanced analysis, perhaps exploring the psychological depth of 'acceptance' versus 'resilience' in greater detail, as the current arguments are somewhat straightforward. However, the task is fully addressed with a logical structure.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. The use of referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is natural, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific language such as 'financial hardship', 'complacency', 'resilience', and 'professional growth'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning well, it lacks the 'less common' or 'sophisticated' lexical items that would characterize a band 8 or 9 performance. The word choices are safe and functional rather than idiomatic or highly precise. Nevertheless, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'While acceptance can be useful in certain situations, it is often better to take action and strive for improvement.' The punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence construction is error-free for the most part. While the range of structures is solid, it does not consistently display the 'wide range' of complex structures required for the highest bands. However, the writing is clear, and errors are virtually non-existent.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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