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 often argued that tolerating negative circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial difficulties, is the most pragmatic approach. Conversely, I contend that it is more advantageous to make concerted efforts to improve such challenging situations.

On one hand, there are several compelling reasons why some individuals believe that accepting adversities, like an unsatisfactory job or financial constraints, is the optimal strategy. Firstly, many may overlook job opportunities that are both financially rewarding and conveniently located. This oversight can lead to long commutes or relocation, which may only exacerbate their dissatisfaction in the short term. Secondly, while enduring unpleasant work conditions may seem counterproductive, such situations can potentially enhance individuals' creativity and resourcefulness. For instance, facing constraints may encourage employees to innovate and develop new skills, ultimately benefiting their long-term career trajectories.

On the other hand, there exists a strong case for actively striving to improve one's circumstances rather than passively accepting them. One key argument in favor of this view is that by demonstrating resilience and a proactive attitude, individuals may foster trust and rapport with their colleagues and superiors, leading to tangible benefits such as raises or promotions. For example, a diligent employee who consistently goes above and beyond may attract recognition from management, resulting in increased responsibilities and financial rewards. Furthermore, failing to take action to enhance one's quality of life can lead to feelings of fatigue and disillusionment. In extreme cases, this could drive individuals towards illegal activities as a means of escaping their plight, highlighting the importance of seeking legitimate avenues for improvement.

In conclusion, both viewpoints regarding the acceptance of adverse situations and the pursuit of improvement have their merits. However, I firmly believe that making sustained efforts to overcome challenges is the more beneficial path. It is essential for both individuals and governments to consider the implications of each approach and to encourage proactive strategies for enhancing life circumstances

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the argument for proactive improvement. The discussion on the 'acceptance' side is slightly less nuanced, as the link between 'facing constraints' and 'creativity' is a bit abstract, but it remains relevant. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments while maintaining the writer's stance. The response is balanced and meets the requirements for a high band score by providing logical support for both sides of the debate.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'On one hand', and 'Furthermore'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. The flow of the argument is easy to follow, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different viewpoints. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, indicating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is varied and precise, demonstrating a good command of academic language. Phrases such as 'pragmatic approach', 'concerted efforts', 'long-term career trajectories', and 'legitimate avenues' show a sophisticated range. The writer uses collocations effectively and avoids repetition. While the vocabulary is strong, it occasionally leans towards standard academic phrasing rather than highly idiomatic or uncommon lexical items that might push the score into the 9.0 range. However, the current range is more than sufficient for a high band score, and there are no errors in word choice that impede meaning.

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 control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not affect the overall readability or accuracy of the text. The writer demonstrates a high level of flexibility in sentence construction, which is characteristic of the higher band descriptors.

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