Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-17
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)
Some people believe that it is better to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or lack of money, while others think that people should try to improve their situation. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that trying to improve a difficult situation is generally better.
On the one hand, accepting a bad situation can sometimes be a practical choice. Some problems are difficult to change, especially when a person does not have enough money or other opportunities. For example, a person who has a low-paid job may continue doing it because he has a family to support and cannot afford to leave the job. Accepting the situation can also reduce stress because the person does not keep worrying about something that he cannot immediately change.
On the other hand, trying to improve a difficult situation can create better opportunities in the future. People can learn new skills, search for another job or start a small business to improve their financial condition. For instance, someone who is unhappy with his job could take an online course in his free time and later apply for a better position. Although this process may take time and effort, it can help a person become more independent and satisfied with his life.
In my opinion, people should not simply accept a bad situation if there is a realistic way to change it. However, they should also understand their circumstances and make changes step by step. For example, leaving a job without having another source of income could create more problems, so it is better to find another job before resigning.
In conclusion, accepting a difficult situation can sometimes be necessary because of financial or personal responsibilities. However, I believe that making reasonable efforts to improve the situation is a better approach when opportunities for change are available.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether to accept or improve a bad situation and provides a clear overall opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as a low-paid worker supporting a family or taking an online course to change jobs. The writer maintains a consistent stance, explaining the practical reasons for acceptance while strongly advocating for gradual improvement when feasible. The response meets all criteria for this band level, as the prompt is fully engaged with and supported with clear reasoning.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving through the two opposing viewpoints in balanced body paragraphs, and offering a nuanced personal opinion before concluding. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion', guiding the reader smoothly through the arguments without mechanical overuse. Paragraphing is logical and effective.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, employing terms such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'financial condition', 'independent', and 'circumstances'. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate awareness of style and collocation, such as 'realistic way' and 'source of income'. While the vocabulary is generally standard and appropriate rather than highly sophisticated, it communicates the ideas clearly with virtually no spelling or word-choice errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, employing a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include conditional and concessive clauses, such as 'especially when a person does not have enough money' and 'Although this process may take time and effort, it can help...'. Grammatical accuracy is high with only occasional minor slips, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout, ensuring seamless readability.
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