Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Some people believe that it is better to accept difficult circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or a lack of money, while others think that people should make efforts to improve their situation. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that trying to improve a difficult situation is generally a better approach.

On the one hand, accepting a bad situation can sometimes be a practical choice. When people face financial problems or an unpleasant job, changing their circumstances may not always be possible immediately. For example, a person with a family to support may have to continue working in a low-paying job because finding another job could take several months. Similarly, people with limited financial resources may need to accept their current lifestyle instead of taking unnecessary risks. In such situations, accepting reality can provide stability and prevent additional stress.

On the other hand, many people believe that individuals should actively try to improve their circumstances. Taking action can create better opportunities and lead to long-term personal and financial growth. For instance, an employee who is dissatisfied with their job could develop new skills, gain additional qualifications or apply for better positions rather than remaining in the same situation. Likewise, someone experiencing financial difficulties could learn about budgeting, acquire a new skill or start a small side business to increase their income. Although these steps may require time and effort, they can gradually improve a person's quality of life.

In my opinion, people should not simply accept an unsatisfactory situation when there are realistic ways to change it. However, this does not mean that every difficult circumstance should be changed immediately. People should first understand their limitations, make a practical plan and then take gradual steps towards improvement. For example, instead of leaving a secure job without another source of income, a person could search for alternative employment while continuing to work in their current position.

In conclusion, accepting a difficult situation can provide stability when immediate change is unrealistic, whereas making efforts to improve one's circumstances can offer greater opportunities in the long term. I believe that a balanced approach is best: people should accept temporary difficulties when necessary, but continue working towards a better situation whenever possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student has fully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views—accepting difficult circumstances versus actively trying to improve them—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout the essay. The response presents relevant and well-developed ideas, such as the stability gained by accepting a low-paying job versus the long-term growth achieved through skill development and budgeting. The position is consistently maintained and logically extended into a nuanced conclusion that advocates for a balanced approach. According to the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors, the task is covered thoroughly with well-developed ideas, making a Band 7.5 score entirely appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the two body paragraphs exploring opposing views, followed by the writer's nuanced opinion and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Similarly', and 'Although' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, maintaining clear conceptual breaks between points. The referencing and substitution throughout the text are clear and natural, aligning comfortably with the Band 7 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student exhibits a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used appropriately to discuss complex socio-economic ideas, such as 'difficult circumstances', 'financial resources', 'long-term personal and financial growth', and 'alternative employment'. While the vocabulary selection is generally appropriate and precise, it stops short of the consistently wide and fluent range required for Band 8. Word choices and collocations are accurate, and spelling is flawless, ensuring that communication is smooth and effortless. This performance solidly reflects the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures, successfully employing a wide variety of complex sentences alongside simple forms. Examples of complex structures include concessive clauses ('Although these steps may require time and effort...') and conditional/participial framing ('When people face financial problems...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. There are only very occasional minor awkwardnesses, but no systematic errors impede communication. This high level of structural variety and grammatical control meets the upper threshold of Band 7, closely bordering Band 8.

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