Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-12

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, rather than trying to change them. Others argue that people should make every possible effort to improve their situation. While accepting reality can sometimes be practical, I believe that making a reasonable attempt to create positive change is generally the better approach.

On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can be sensible when there are few realistic alternatives. For example, a person may have financial responsibilities that prevent them from leaving an unpleasant job immediately. In such circumstances, accepting the situation temporarily can provide stability and allow them to meet essential expenses. Furthermore, constantly worrying about circumstances that are beyond one's control can cause unnecessary stress. Learning to accept certain difficulties can therefore help people remain emotionally balanced and focus on what they can control.

On the other hand, trying to improve an unsatisfactory situation can lead to better opportunities and greater satisfaction in the long term. If people simply accept every problem they face, they may remain in the same circumstances for many years. For instance, an employee who dislikes their job could develop new skills, apply for better positions, or start a small business rather than remaining unhappy. Similarly, someone experiencing financial difficulties could improve their situation by gaining additional qualifications, finding extra sources of income, or reducing unnecessary spending. These actions may be challenging, but they can gradually produce meaningful improvements.

In my opinion, the best approach is to combine acceptance with action. People should accept circumstances that cannot be changed immediately, but this should not prevent them from working towards a better future. For example, someone with an unsatisfactory job may need to keep it temporarily while studying for a new career. This approach provides short-term security while creating the possibility of long-term improvement.

In conclusion, accepting difficult situations can sometimes be necessary and can reduce stress, but simply giving up on improvement is rarely beneficial. I believe people should realistically accept their current circumstances while taking practical steps to make their lives better whenever possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both perspectives—the merits of acceptance for emotional stability and the benefits of proactive change for long-term growth—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal position. Your ideas are logically extended with relevant examples, such as the scenario of an employee balancing a current job with career development. The conclusion effectively synthesises your argument, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The response is well-balanced and directly answers the 'discuss both views' requirement while providing a clear opinion throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent, with each point building logically upon the previous one. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'emotionally balanced', 'realistic alternatives', and 'short-term security' show a level of precision and flexibility. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While accepting reality can sometimes be practical, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, fitting the criteria for a strong performance where complex structures are used with consistent control.

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