Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-31

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)

Whether to accept a difficult situation or work to improve it is a common debate. While accepting reality can bring peace of mind, I strongly believe that taking action to fix problems leads to a better quality of life.

On the one hand, some people prefer to accept bad conditions, such as a low-paying job or a lack of money. They argue that fighting against difficult circumstances causes unnecessary stress and anxiety. For instance, constantly worrying about money can ruin a person’s mental health. By accepting their present situation, individuals can avoid disappointment and focus on being grateful for what they already have. Furthermore, changing a situation is not always possible, so acceptance can help people cope emotionally.

On the other hand, actively working to improve a situation is essential for progress. If people always accept their difficulties, they will never achieve their full potential or build a better future. For example, if someone is unhappy with an unsatisfactory job, taking evening courses or searching for new job opportunities can help them secure a higher salary. Similarly, learning how to manage a personal budget can solve financial shortages. Overcoming challenges builds confidence and opens doors to new possibilities.

In conclusion, although accepting a bad situation can provide temporary relief from stress, I believe it is far better to try to improve it. Proactive action helps individuals overcome financial and professional challenges, ultimately leading to personal growth and long-term success.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. However, the essay falls short of the 250-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. While the arguments are relevant and logical, they are somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, the ideas need to be more fully extended with more detailed examples or deeper analysis. The position is consistent throughout, but the lack of sufficient length prevents a more comprehensive exploration of the topic, which is expected at higher band levels.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, and there is a clear progression throughout the text. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, demonstrating a good command of organizational features.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. The student uses some topic-specific collocations such as 'peace of mind', 'unnecessary stress', and 'achieve their full potential'. While the range is sufficient, it is not particularly wide or sophisticated. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede understanding, but the essay lacks the more precise or academic vocabulary that would characterize a higher band score. The language is functional and accurate but remains relatively standard.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For instance, the use of conditional sentences ('If people always accept...') and complex noun phrases shows a solid grasp of grammar. The text is largely error-free, with accurate punctuation and consistent control over verb tenses. While the range of structures is not exceptionally wide, the accuracy is high, and the sentences are clear and easy to follow. The grammatical control is consistent, and there are no errors that cause any difficulty for the reader.

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

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