Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-18

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 6.0)

By way of introduction, it is imperative to note that accepting a bad situation or working towards improving it could be legible, depending on the person involved. However, this essay will be embeded with not just both views but also my opinion after critical analysis.

Accepting a bad situation like an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money does not necessarily entail that one is a fool or not aspiring enough but it could mean wisdom. When one is left with no option but to suffer as a result of lack, it is best for one to take up what is available as the saying goes, “ half bread is better than none" or “ A bird in hand is better than two in the bushes". To be precise, when one is falling short of options, never feel too big to take up the little that is available.

Some people believe that instead of settling for a bad situation, one should rather strive to improve it as it is inhumane. This is because anyone that under-pays you is infringing on your inalienable human rights and should be prosecuted. Working hard to improve the situation might not necessarily mean self development but also going up against those that are exploiting you. It can also be argued that self development for improvement is also key as it broadens one horizon to see better things the future has for them that settling for less will limit them from seeing and making them complacent.

It is imperative to be aspiring for the best which is not selfishness but a right. Going against those who exploit people is also key in order to make our world a better place.

In conclusion, do not settle for less but if need be, the less should be a stepping stone to your brighter future.

AI examiner evaluation

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 personal opinion. The writer establishes a position in the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay. Ideas are generally extended and supported, such as when discussing the wisdom of accepting limited options using traditional idioms, and when arguing that poor pay infringes on human rights. However, some arguments tend to over-generalise or remain slightly under-developed, particularly regarding the legal aspects of exploitation. Overall, the prompt is well-covered, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay displays a clear overall progression of ideas with a logical organisation. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction to the acceptance view, the improvement view, and a concluding synthesis. Cohesive devices are used to signal shifts in thought, such as "However", "To be precise", and "Some people believe". However, referencing and paragraphing can sometimes feel mechanical, and transitions between sentences occasionally lack fluidity. For example, the sentence "It can also be argued that self development for improvement is also key..." is slightly clunky. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, resulting in a coherent structure that warrants a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items such as "inalienable human rights", "prosecuted", and "complacent". However, there are noticeable lexical errors and inappropriate word choices that slightly impede natural flow. For instance, the word "legible" is incorrectly used instead of "acceptable" or "viable" in the introduction, and "embeded" contains a spelling error. Additionally, phrases like "half bread is better than none" alter standard idioms. Despite these inaccuracies, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some ambition with structures like subordinate clauses and passive voice ("this essay will be embeded with..."). However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several errors, including spelling mistakes ("embeded"), incorrect prepositions, and awkward phrasing such as "broadens one horizon" instead of "broadens one's horizons". Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while errors occur frequently, they rarely impede overall communication. The control of grammar places this essay firmly in the Band 6 category.

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