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)

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 views—the merits of acceptance for stability and the benefits of proactive improvement—and provided a clear personal opinion that is maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between short-term acceptance and long-term action. The examples provided, such as taking professional courses to improve salary, are relevant and effectively support your arguments. The conclusion synthesizes your position well, ensuring the response is balanced and focused. You have met all requirements of the task effectively.

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. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'Similarly', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different perspectives. The flow of information is natural, and there is a clear sense of structure throughout the text. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are always clear.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'financial responsibilities', 'beyond one's control', and 'practical steps' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and natural, it stays within a fairly standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations (e.g., 'proactive measures' instead of 'efforts', or 'stagnation' instead of 'remain in the same position'). However, the current usage is error-free and conveys your meaning effectively without any confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('If people simply accept...') and concessive clauses ('Although accepting...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. The grammatical accuracy is high, and the sentence construction is consistently sound throughout the piece.

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