Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-02

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 undeniable that, in today's world, dealing with adverse situations such as an unsatisfactory job or financial constraints has become a significant concern. While some people advocate for accepting these unfavorable conditions, I firmly believe that striving to improve one's circumstances offers greater opportunities and growth in the long run. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and present my own opinion on the matter.

To commence with, firstly, there are valid reasons why some people choose to accept bad situations. Accepting unfavorable conditions can sometimes be a practical approach to maintain stability and avoid unnecessary stress. For instance, a recent graduate might take up a low-paying job to gain experience rather than holding out for an ideal position. This pragmatic approach can ensure that they remain employed and gradually build their skills and resume. Another example is someone born into a financially struggling family. By accepting their situation, they might focus on cherishing family moments rather than being consumed by unrealistic dreams, which can lead to dissatisfaction and irrational decisions.

Moreover, I strongly support the perspective that even in the worst situations, efforts should be made to improve one's circumstances. Facing challenges head-on can be a valuable learning experience and foster personal development. For example, a family experiencing financial difficulties could tighten their budget, seek additional income sources, or enhance their financial management skills. Furthermore, striving to overcome hardships can lead to significant achievements and personal growth. Consider Elon Musk and Tesla: despite numerous setbacks and failures, Musk's relentless effort turned Tesla into one of the best-selling car brands in the world. This exemplifies how perseverance and a proactive attitude can lead to remarkable success.

In conclusion, while accepting a bad situation can offer some advantages, I believe that making concerted efforts to improve one's circumstances is more beneficial in the long run. It is advisable that individuals find a balance between acceptance and striving for betterment to manage adverse situations effectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both viewpoints—the merits of accepting a situation for stability and the benefits of striving for improvement—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the use of the Elon Musk example to support the argument for proactive change. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the discussion, and the arguments are balanced and logical. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'acceptance' argument is explored with the same depth as the 'improvement' argument, as the latter is slightly more developed in your response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. The flow between sentences is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout. The structure is coherent, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a natural and easy-to-follow argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'adverse situations', 'financial constraints', 'pragmatic approach', and 'concerted efforts' show a strong command of language. There is a good awareness of collocation and style. While the vocabulary is precise and effective, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated, less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range. However, the current usage is accurate and contributes to a professional tone throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'While some people advocate...', 'despite numerous setbacks...'). 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. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with a wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex passive constructions, to further demonstrate your flexibility and control over the language.

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