Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some people believe that accepting an unsatisfactory situation, such as having an undesirable job or experiencing financial difficulties, is the best approach. Others argue that people should make efforts to improve their circumstances. Although accepting certain situations can sometimes be sensible, I believe that taking action to improve one's circumstances is generally more beneficial.

On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can be appropriate when it is temporary or cannot be changed immediately. People may have financial responsibilities that prevent them from leaving an unsatisfactory job, for example. In such circumstances, accepting the situation for a limited period can provide financial stability while allowing them to plan for the future. Furthermore, constantly worrying about circumstances that are beyond one's control can cause unnecessary stress. Therefore, learning to accept some difficulties can help people remain calm and focus on what they can realistically change.

On the other hand, making an effort to improve a difficult situation can lead to better opportunities and greater satisfaction in the long term. If people simply accept an unsatisfactory job without trying to develop their skills or search for alternatives, they may remain in the same position for many years. For instance, an employee who is unhappy with their salary could take professional courses, gain new qualifications and apply for better-paid positions. Similarly, someone experiencing financial difficulties could learn new skills or find an additional source of income. These actions may gradually improve their quality of life and provide them with greater independence.

In my opinion, people should generally try to improve situations that they have the ability to change, rather than accepting them permanently. However, acceptance can be useful as a temporary strategy when immediate change is not possible. The most sensible approach is therefore to accept reality in the short term while taking practical steps towards improvement.

In conclusion, although accepting a bad situation can sometimes provide stability and reduce unnecessary stress, I believe that making realistic efforts to improve one's circumstances is the better approach in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the value of acceptance for stability and the benefits of proactive improvement—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are logically developed, with relevant examples such as professional upskilling and financial management. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments, providing a balanced final stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the task requirements, demonstrating a clear understanding of the essay's purpose.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a logical flow of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In contrast'. The progression of arguments is coherent, moving from the benefits of acceptance to the advantages of change, and finally to a nuanced personal conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the use of referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'financial responsibilities', 'realistically change', and 'practical steps towards improvement' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. There are no spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is natural and conveys your meaning clearly throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If people simply accept...') and concessive clauses ('Although accepting...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent, which helps in expressing your arguments with clarity and precision. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.

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