Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-22

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 7.0)

Sometimes, we are faced with a crucial moral dilemma - whether to accept the status quo or work towards improving the far from ideal situations that we often find ourselves in. A lot of people believe that we should stay content with our circumstances and not wallow in the thought of what could have been. In contrast, some people believe that our circumstances are the end product of our own decisions and actions. I resonate strongly with the latter opinion. My reasons for agreeing with this opinion are threefold - firstly, I believe that accepting our fate even when it is unsatisfactory leads to complacency; secondly, most of our aspirations are within reach as long as we take concrete steps towards these aspirations and lastly, accepting bad situations can lead to feelings of looming despair and hopelessness in the long term.

People that advocate for acceptance of their lamentable conditions often preach about the importance of being content and grateful. They say that the zeal to change these circumstances usually stems from a place of greed. However, I strongly disagree with this opinion since it promotes smugness as well as laziness. A cursory look at the lives of some of the most successful people in the world shows us that they have taken the necessary risks to change the course of their lives for the better.

I am of the opinion that every circumstance is transient, even if prima facie it appears to be permanent. People have managed to turn their lives around even with limited resources. We may feel that the hand that we've been dealt is what we should learn to accept. However, perseverance, resolute determination and concerted actions can help us achieve even the most daunting feats. For example, the renowned author, J.K. Rowling faced crippling depression for a large part of her life. However, she managed to channel her feelings into a more productive outlook and publish books that are often regarded as modern classics. I strongly opine that truly successful people are differentiated by their ability to question their unfortunate circumstances and work towards a better life.

Therefore, I believe that acceptance of one's tragic situations is a pointless endeavour. Additionally, I believe that we should all strive to be better and rise above the tragedy of our situations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses the task well, discussing both views on acceptance of bad situations versus striving for improvement. The writer clearly presents their opinion that striving for improvement is preferable. However, the introduction could have explicitly mentioned the topic more directly, which would enhance clarity. The use of specific examples, especially the mention of J.K. Rowling, effectively supports the argument for striving towards change. Overall, the task achievement is strong, but there is room for slightly clearer framing of both perspectives.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Coherence and cohesion are strong throughout the essay. Ideas are logically organized and linked with appropriate connectors such as 'firstly', 'however', and 'therefore', which guide the reader through the arguments effectively. The paragraphs are well-structured, addressing specific points that enhance the clarity of the message. A slightly clearer distinction or heading for the views discussed might improve overall cohesion, but overall the coherence is effective with a logical flow and good paragraphing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary with some excellent choices such as "crucial moral dilemma", "lamentable conditions", and "perseverance". However, there are instances where simpler words could be replaced with more precise alternatives, such as "a lot of people" could become "many individuals". This would enhance the lexical resource further. Attention to varying word choice will help avoid repetition, providing depth to the language used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Grammatical range and accuracy are generally high. The writer uses complex sentences effectively, showcasing a good command of grammar. There are minor issues, such as in phrases like "we face with a crucial moral dilemma", which should be rephrased to ensure grammatical correctness. Overall, the grammatical structure is varied and complex, which is a strength, but some attention to flawless grammatical constructions would benefit the overall score.

Overall feedback

Your essay effectively addresses both sides of the argument and clearly presents your opinion, showcasing strong coherence and a well-structured approach. Your vocabulary usage is impressive, although you can enhance it further by opting for more sophisticated alternatives in some areas. Pay attention to minor grammatical details to avoid errors that could affect clarity. To improve, consider refining your introduction to provide a clearer outline of both viewpoints, ensuring a balanced discussion before articulating your stance. Keep practicing to polish your writing further!

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