Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-21
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 6.5)
People have different opinions about whether acceptance is the best way to overcome poor circumstances including unsatisfactory job and lack of money, or making an effort is best way to enhance such circumstances. While there are good reasons for them to endure the unfavourable situations and become practical, I believe that people should take responsible steps for better situations.
On the one hand, some people argue that accepting difficult circumstances is beneficial in certain situations. The main reason for this that some difficult situation is temporary, it cannot be change immediately; Therefore, sometimes accepting bad situation can help people to overcome the stress, remain calm and mentally stable. For example, a person may continue work in low-paid job because of financial burden of family. Hence, tolerating situation such as jobs that are not favourable or lack of money, financial stress of family, constraint people to think more practical.
On the other hand, others believe that individuals should take appropriate step for improving tough situations. The primary argument here is efforts to improve circumstances because it might improve peoples’ quality of life. While exploring people might get satisfactory job, also people can develop new skills. For instance, a person can do job with studying part time, which will help them to have better job opportunity. Hence, taking a better step to improve a bad situation can help people to develop new skills and successful person.
In conclusion, although it is true that a accepting a bad situation is good to think practical and overcome stress, I firmly believe that making an effort to improve such situations can create new opportunity, financial security and satisfactory life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant, such as the mention of financial burdens and skill development. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument for 'acceptance' could be more deeply explored beyond just 'stress management.' The conclusion is clear, but the overall development of the arguments remains a bit superficial. To reach a higher band, ensure that each body paragraph provides more nuanced reasoning and perhaps a more concrete, real-world example to support the claims made.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately. Cohesive devices are present, such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'The main reason for this that some difficult situation is temporary.' Additionally, there are minor issues with referencing and flow within sentences. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to express their ideas clearly. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'unfavourable,' 'financial burden,' and 'constraint.' However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'taking a better step' or 'a successful person' (which should be 'becoming a successful person'). The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Focusing on more sophisticated collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('a unsatisfactory job,' 'a bad situation'), pluralization ('peoples’ quality of life'), and verb forms ('it cannot be change'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some run-on sentences and misuse of semicolons. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the accuracy of basic grammar and refining the use of complex structures will help improve this score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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