Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-25

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)

Sample Essay

When faced with difficult circumstances, such as an unfulfilling job or financial hardship, people generally adopt one of two attitudes: accepting the situation as it is, or actively working to change it. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own view that, while acceptance has its merits in certain contexts, actively pursuing improvement is generally the more beneficial approach.

Those who advocate acceptance often argue that it protects mental wellbeing and prevents unnecessary stress. Constantly striving to change one's circumstances can be exhausting and, in some cases, futile, particularly when external factors beyond an individual's control are involved, such as a struggling economy limiting job opportunities. Accepting a difficult situation temporarily can also allow people to focus their energy on other important aspects of life, such as family or personal health, rather than being consumed by frustration over things they cannot immediately change. Additionally, some cultures place significant value on contentment and gratitude for what one already has, viewing constant dissatisfaction as a barrier to genuine happiness.

On the other hand, those who favour taking action argue that passive acceptance can lead to stagnation and prevent personal growth. An unsatisfactory job, for instance, may cause long-term dissatisfaction and even affect mental health if left unaddressed; taking proactive steps such as acquiring new skills, networking, or seeking alternative employment can lead to significantly improved circumstances over time. Similarly, financial difficulties can often be alleviated through deliberate action, such as budgeting more carefully, seeking additional sources of income, or pursuing further education to access better-paid opportunities. History offers numerous examples of individuals who transformed difficult circumstances into success through persistence and effort, suggesting that meaningful change is often possible with the right approach.

In my opinion, while there are situations where circumstances truly cannot be changed and acceptance is the wisest course, most difficult situations can be improved to some degree through deliberate effort. Passive acceptance without any attempt at improvement risks allowing problems to worsen or become permanent, whereas even small proactive steps can lead to meaningful progress over time. The key lies in accurately distinguishing between what genuinely cannot be changed and what merely feels overwhelming in the moment.

In conclusion, both accepting and challenging difficult circumstances have their place depending on the situation. However, I believe that actively working towards improvement, wherever realistically possible, generally leads to better long-term outcomes than resignation alone

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The essay fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the merits of acceptance and the benefits of proactive change—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of economic factors and personal skill acquisition. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the task requirements with a high level of clarity and focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting phrases like 'On the other hand' and 'In my opinion'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately throughout the text. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs exploring the opposing views, a personal opinion paragraph, and a conclusion. The flow of information is seamless, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. Phrases such as 'actively pursuing improvement', 'external factors beyond an individual's control', and 'stagnation' demonstrate a high level of lexical control. The word choices are precise and contribute to the overall clarity of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and your use of collocations is natural and accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You successfully use modal verbs and conditional structures to express nuanced opinions. The grammar is consistently accurate, and there are no slips that impede communication. The sophistication of your sentence construction is a clear strength, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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