Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

Many people argue that it is fine to accept the difficult situation rather than trying to improve them. Although both assertions have their own reasons, I contend that striving for the best is far more important.

There are numerous reasons why people accept bad situations. It is often observed that people struggle to improve their standard of living or getting a high-paying job, but due to the competitive environment, it gets difficult for them to achieve their goals. Despite several attempts, people get frustrated and stop trying any further. Consequently, they may be compelled to face financial difficulties or end up in unfulfilling jobs.

Conversely, the majority of the people who strive for better opportunities end up securing a better position and improving their lifestyles. It is often said that "God helps those, who help themselves." When individuals decide not to look back and move further without getting annoyed by their current situation, they eventually obtain better opportunities. Consistent efforts in the right direction can provide people with what they dream of. For instance, an individual who struggles hard to score high paying job may apply to various positions, learn valuable skills, and improve communication skills. After some time, he may able to secure the position that he struggled for. Hence, it is crucial that people continuously try and improve themselves in order to recieve better options. Even a small step taken towards the right direction matters the most.

In conclusion, people debate whether it is better to accept a crisis or continue to struggle, I hold my position that people must strive for better opportunities. Since help comes to those who seek it.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—accepting difficult situations versus striving to improve them—and clearly states the writer's personal position in the introduction. The ideas are generally well developed and supported with explanations and examples, such as the illustration of an individual applying for a better job, learning valuable skills, and improving communication. However, the explanation regarding why people accept bad situations tends to generalise slightly, noting that people get frustrated and stop trying, but it remains relevant and focused throughout. Overall, the task is successfully fulfilled, aligning well with the Band 7 requirements where all parts are addressed and a clear position is maintained.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction and background reasons for acceptance, to the counter-argument advocating for continuous effort, and finally to a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Conversely', 'Consequently', and 'Hence' are used effectively to signal transitions between ideas, although referencing occasionally feels slightly repetitive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that meets the expectations of a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, successfully using less common items and collocation awareness such as 'competitive environment', 'standard of living', 'unfulfilling jobs', and 'consistent efforts'. There are occasional slight lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasing, such as 'getting a high-paying job' following 'struggle to improve' (which creates a minor grammatical slip in coordination) and 'recieve' (which is a spelling error). Nonetheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, fitting comfortably within the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, supported by good attempts at thematic language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating conditional and subordinate clauses successfully, such as 'When individuals decide not to look back and move further... they eventually obtain better opportunities.' There are several minor grammatical errors present, including the subject-verb agreement slip 'he may able to secure' instead of 'he may be able', the spelling mistake 'recieve', and slight awkwardness in 'getting a high-paying job' paired with 'struggle to improve'. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the essay features frequent error-free sentences, warranting a solid Band 6.5 score.

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