Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-23

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)

It is often debated whether individuals facing difficult circumstances, such as an unfulfilling job or financial hardship, should accept their reality or actively work to improve it. While accepting unfavorable conditions can offer psychological peace and stability, I firmly believe that taking active steps to overcome challenges is essential for personal growth and long-term success.

Proponents of accepting bad situations argue that it promotes emotional resilience and stress reduction. Constant dissatisfaction and striving for immediate change can lead to anxiety, frustration, and burnout, particularly when circumstances are beyond an individual's immediate control. For instance, in times of economic recession, securing a higher-paying job may be nearly impossible. Under such conditions, learning to be content with a modest income or an imperfect workplace allows individuals to maintain mental stability, safeguard their wellbeing, and avoid unnecessary risk. Furthermore, acceptance prevents people from making reckless decisions that could make their situation worse, such as quitting a stable job without a safety net.

On the other hand, actively attempting to improve one's situation drives personal and professional progress. Throughout history, meaningful accomplishments have rarely come from complacency; rather, they stem from a desire to overcome adversity. When people experience financial shortages or career stagnation, proactive efforts—such as pursuing further education, upskilling, or networking—can open doors to significantly better opportunities. Accepting a poor situation indefinitely often leads to stagnation and a persistent sense of regret. Therefore, taking calculated risks and working proactively to alter one's trajectory is necessary to achieve personal fulfillment and financial independence.

In conclusion, while accepting difficult circumstances can provide short-term mental relief and financial security during unstable times, I believe that passive acceptance should only be a temporary stage. Ultimately, striving for self-improvement and actively working to overcome hardship is crucial for personal development and securing a better future.

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 benefits of acceptance for mental stability and the advantages of proactive improvement for personal growth—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as economic recession and career upskilling provided to illustrate your points. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments and reinforces your stance. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the task requirements, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment.

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, using effective cohesive devices such as 'While,' 'Furthermore,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Therefore.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate, ensuring that the argument flows naturally from introduction to conclusion. The logical sequencing of ideas makes the text very easy to follow, and the cohesive devices are used flexibly and accurately, contributing to a professional and academic tone.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'unfavorable conditions,' 'proactive efforts,' 'career stagnation,' and 'calculated risks' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contextually appropriate for an academic essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of vocabulary allows for nuanced expression of your ideas, which is characteristic of a high-level performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You have successfully integrated different grammatical forms to convey complex ideas without any loss of clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical accuracy is consistently high throughout the entire response.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.