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 a difficult situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial hardship, while others argue that people should try to improve such circumstances. Although accepting an unpleasant situation may sometimes be necessary, I believe that making an effort to change it is generally the better approach.

On the one hand, there are circumstances in which accepting a difficult situation can be the most practical choice. Many people have family responsibilities and financial commitments that prevent them from making immediate changes. For example, someone who is dissatisfied with their job may still need to remain in it because they depend on their salary to pay rent, household bills and their children's education. Similarly, people experiencing financial difficulties may have no alternative but to tolerate their circumstances temporarily. In such cases, accepting reality can provide stability and prevent further financial problems.

On the other hand, attempting to improve a difficult situation can lead to personal and professional growth. People who actively seek solutions are more likely to develop valuable skills, gain experience and create better opportunities for themselves. For instance, a university student who struggles financially might take a part-time job or internship while continuing their studies. Although this can be challenging, it can help the student develop time-management skills, independence and work experience. In the long term, these qualities may improve their career prospects and financial position. Therefore, rather than simply accepting hardship, people should consider what practical steps they can take to overcome it.

In conclusion, accepting a difficult situation can sometimes be unavoidable, particularly when financial or family responsibilities are involved. However, I believe that people should not remain in an unsatisfactory situation permanently. Whenever possible, they should work towards improving their circumstances through determination, education and practical action.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5
Overall7.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the necessity of accepting difficult situations for stability and the benefits of actively seeking improvement for personal growth. Your own position is clearly stated in the introduction and consistently maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of family responsibilities and the scenario of a university student balancing work and study. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments, ensuring the response is balanced and focused. The development of ideas is logical and sufficient for the task requirements.

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 'Similarly'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'financial hardship', 'practical choice', 'professional growth', and 'career prospects' are used accurately and appropriately. There is an awareness of collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band. However, the current level is precise and effectively conveys your meaning without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures ('Whenever possible, they should...'). 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. The grammatical structures are used flexibly, and the writing is consistently accurate. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of advanced grammatical forms, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, though the current range is already quite effective.

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