Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-11

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 7.5)

Some people believe that it is better to accept difficult circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial problems, whereas others argue that people should try to improve their situation. Although acceptance can sometimes be necessary, I believe that making an effort to bring about positive change is generally the better approach.

On the one hand, accepting an unfavourable situation can be beneficial when it is beyond a person’s control. For example, during an economic recession, finding a better-paying job may be extremely difficult because of limited employment opportunities. In such circumstances, accepting the current situation can help people avoid unnecessary stress and frustration. Moreover, acceptance allows individuals to focus on managing their existing circumstances rather than constantly worrying about problems that cannot be immediately resolved.

On the other hand, attempting to improve a difficult situation can lead to significant personal and financial benefits. People who are dissatisfied with their jobs, for instance, can acquire new skills, gain professional qualifications or search for alternative employment. These efforts can enhance their career prospects and provide greater job satisfaction. Similarly, individuals experiencing financial difficulties can improve their circumstances by developing valuable skills, finding additional sources of income or managing their finances more effectively. Therefore, taking proactive steps can help people become more independent and resilient.

In my opinion, people should not simply accept an unsatisfactory situation when they have the ability to change it. However, acceptance is sensible when circumstances are genuinely beyond their control. A balanced approach, therefore, is to accept unavoidable difficulties while actively working towards realistic improvements

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the merits of acceptance in uncontrollable situations and the benefits of proactive improvement—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of economic recessions and skill acquisition. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the two perspectives, offering a nuanced final stance. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements, meeting the criteria for a high band score by providing a well-structured and logical argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Moreover.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The flow of the essay is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'unfavourable situation,' 'beyond a person’s control,' 'career prospects,' and 'proactive steps' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more idiomatic or less common collocations. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your arguments clearly and with a degree of flexibility, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although acceptance can sometimes be necessary, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You successfully use modal verbs and conditional structures to express nuance. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are not present here. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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