Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-30

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)

While some people believe that it is better to accept difficult situations, such as an unsatisfying job or financial problems, others argue that people should make every effort to improve their circumstances. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that striving for improvement is the better approach.

On the one hand, some people believe that accepting an unpleasant situation is the most practical choice. They argue that constantly worrying about problems does not lead to immediate solutions. For example, someone facing financial difficulties may have to remain in an unsatisfying job in order to earn a living and support their family until better opportunities become available. In such circumstances, accepting reality can provide people with a sense of stability and prevent them from making rushed decisions. Moreover, not everyone has the financial freedom to leave an unwanted job immediately, particularly when they have responsibilities such as paying bills or supporting their family.

On the other hand, many people believe that making an effort to improve difficult situations is a more effective approach. Rather than remaining trapped in an unhappy routine, individuals can develop new skills, gain valuable experience, or search for better opportunities while continuing to work. For instance, a person who is dissatisfied with their current occupation could take additional courses or acquire new qualifications while keeping their existing job. This may eventually help them secure a more satisfying career and improve their financial position. Therefore, actively working towards change can provide greater long-term benefits than simply accepting an undesirable situation.

In my opinion, although some circumstances cannot be changed immediately, people should not simply accept them permanently. Instead, they should identify realistic ways to improve their situation while maintaining their current stability. Developing skills, saving money, and seeking better opportunities can gradually lead to a more comfortable and fulfilling life.

In conclusion, although accepting a difficult situation may sometimes be the most practical short-term solution, I believe that making consistent efforts to improve one's circumstances is a better approach in the long term.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both perspectives—the pragmatic view of accepting difficult situations for stability and the proactive view of striving for improvement—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, with logical examples such as balancing a job with skill acquisition. The position is clearly stated in the introduction and maintained in the conclusion. To reach a band 9, you could further deepen the analysis by exploring the potential psychological impact of these choices or providing a more nuanced counter-argument regarding the limitations of 'striving' in systemic poverty contexts, but the current development is strong and sufficient for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of the argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear. The essay demonstrates a high level of coherence, making it very easy to follow the writer's line of reasoning from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'striving for improvement', 'financial freedom', 'undesirable situation', and 'consistent efforts' show a good command of collocation and style. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and effective, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated or academic register to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'unsatisfying job', you might use 'unfulfilling professional engagement' or 'stagnant career path' to demonstrate a wider, more nuanced lexical repertoire.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While some people believe...', 'Rather than remaining trapped...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy. To achieve a band 9, you could incorporate a slightly wider variety of advanced structures, such as inversion or more complex conditional forms, though the current control is already very strong and consistent.

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