Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13

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)

People have different opinions on wheather it is better to accept an unpleasing situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or being short of money. While the second group of people say it is better to keep on trying to improve these type of unwanted situations. In my opinion it is better to try and improve these types of situations which are addressed in the following paragraphs.

On the one hand, proponents of accepting bad situations emphasize the psychological benefits of contentment and emotional resilience. Constantly fighting against unchangeable circumstances—such as global economic downturns or severe local market constraints—can lead to chronic anxiety and burnout. By adopting a pragmatic mindset and practicing acceptance, individuals can avoid excessive frustration and learn to manage their resources efficiently. For instance, someone facing a temporary financial shortage might choose to adapt to a lower standard of living rather than taking high-risk financial gambles. In this sense, acceptance acts as a protective coping mechanism that preserves mental well-being in the short term.

On the other hand, advocates for proactive action argue that progress is fundamentally driven by dissatisfaction with the status quo. Resigning oneself to an unsatisfactory job or poverty often leads to long-term stagnation and missed potential. By pursuing further education, acquiring new skill sets, or seeking alternative employment, individuals can dramatically alter their trajectory. A prime case in point is the modern gig economy and online education platforms, which have enabled millions of people worldwide to upskill and escape low-paying jobs. Without the drive to challenge adverse conditions, neither personal growth nor systemic improvements would occur.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—accepting bad situations versus trying to improve them—and providing a clear personal opinion in the introduction. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the discussion of global economic downturns and the modern gig economy. The arguments flow logically, and the position is maintained throughout the essay. The student demonstrates a strong understanding of the requirements for a discussion essay of this nature, fulfilling the band 7 descriptors well through extended and supported ideas, avoiding over-generalisation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, starting with a well-defined introduction that outlines the scope of the essay, followed by two distinct body paragraphs representing opposing views. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'For instance', ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Paragraphing is managed effectively, with each body paragraph focusing on a central theme. The referencing throughout the text is clear, contributing to a cohesive overall reading experience that aligns well with the band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, such as 'psychological benefits', 'chronic anxiety', and 'long-term stagnation'. There is an awareness of style and collocation, particularly in phrases like 'pragmatic mindset' and 'protective coping mechanism'. Although there is a minor spelling error in the opening sentence ('wheather' instead of 'whether'), the overall lexical resource is adequate for the task. The writer successfully attempts less common lexical items, and word choices generally enhance the clarity and sophistication of the arguments presented, comfortably placing this response in the band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, showing good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional clauses and relative clauses, such as 'Constantly fighting against unchangeable circumstances... can lead to chronic anxiety' and 'platforms, which have enabled millions of people worldwide to upskill'. While there is a minor grammatical flaw in the introductory sentence ('While the second group of people say...' which lacks an independent clause completion), frequent error-free sentences appear throughout the body paragraphs. Punctuation is used correctly to demarcate clauses and items in a list, resulting in a performance that fits the band 7 descriptors.

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