Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07

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 5.5)

From an analytical perspective, the influential impact of circumstances has attracted widespread attention because of its universality. In the given context, many believe that it is best to accept a worse situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or a shortage of money, whereas others think that it is better to try to enhance such situations. In my view, the first argument sounds more convincing.

There are two fundamental reasons why working in tough situations helps you to cope with certain circumstances. The foremost factor which goes in favour of this viewpoint is that if someone has limited financial resources, immediately quitting a job could make their situation even worse. For instance, A person with an unsatisfactory job may continue working because it provides a stable source of income, especially when they have family responsibilities. The second plausible explanation is that acceptance can provide stability while a person waits for a better opportunity.

Conversely, the opponents rightly argue that it's better to cope with the situation smartly. People can improve their quality of life by taking practical steps, and an unsatisfactory job can be improved by gaining new qualifications or developing professional skills. For instance, someone dissatisfied with their career could undertake professional training and eventually move to a better-paying position.

In conclusion, we may assert finest to accept a bad situation, such as forceful job or financial problems, but people should accept circumstances that cannot immediately be changed, but they should actively try to improve situations that are within their control.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal position. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you provide a logical reason for accepting a situation (financial stability), the explanation is brief. Similarly, the counter-argument regarding improving one's situation is relevant but lacks depth. To reach a higher band, ensure that each body paragraph fully explores the implications of the arguments provided rather than just stating them. The conclusion is slightly confusing in its phrasing, which impacts the clarity of your final stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each with a central topic. You use some cohesive devices such as 'conversely', 'for instance', and 'the foremost factor', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. The final sentence of the conclusion is grammatically awkward, which disrupts the coherence of your summary. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence flows naturally into the next will help improve this score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'analytical perspective', 'plausible explanation', and 'professional qualifications'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural word choices, such as 'forceful job' instead of 'unsatisfactory' or 'demanding' job. Additionally, the phrase 'we may assert finest to accept' is grammatically and lexically incorrect. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, you need to focus on more precise collocations and avoid awkward phrasing to achieve a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this level. However, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'the influential impact of circumstances has attracted' is slightly redundant, and the sentence 'we may assert finest to accept a bad situation' lacks a subject and proper structure. There are also minor punctuation and article usage errors. To improve, focus on ensuring that your complex sentences are error-free and pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and word order.

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

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