Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-20

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)

The debate over how to handle adversity—whether through passive acceptance or active intervention—reflects contrasting philosophies on personal resilience and success. While accepting difficult circumstances like job dissatisfaction or financial hardship offers temporary stability, actively striving for improvement ultimately fosters long-term growth and fulfillment.

Proponents of accepting bad situations often emphasize emotional stability and mental tranquility. Constantly fighting against unfavorable conditions can cause severe stress, burnout, and anxiety. For instance, in an unpredictable job market, an individual might choose to endure a low-paying or monotonous role to secure a steady income and guarantee basic needs like housing and healthcare. From this perspective, acceptance allows people to adapt, maintain inner peace, and avoid the risks associated with reckless change, such as joblessness or debt.

Conversely, advocates of proactive change argue that progress is impossible without challenge. History and daily life demonstrate that significant achievements stem from dissatisfaction with the status quo. When faced with financial scarcity, individuals who upskill, pursue side ventures, or seek better-paying jobs frequently transform their financial trajectories. Similarly, addressing a toxic work environment—either by negotiating better terms or switching careers—can drastically improve quality of life. Without the drive to overcome obstacles, personal and professional evolution stagnates.

In my opinion, while temporary acceptance can serve as a useful coping mechanism during a crisis, a permanent mindset of resignation is detrimental. Acceptance should only be a temporary phase to regain composure and assess options, not a final destination. True resilience lies in accepting reality as a starting point while actively taking strategic steps toward a better future.

In conclusion, although accepting hardship provides immediate security and reduces stress, striving to improve bad situations is essential for personal progress. A balanced approach—embracing patience while working toward clear goals—ensures both mental peace and meaningful improvement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on how to handle adversity and providing a clear, well-developed personal opinion throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a sophisticated premise, and each body paragraph explores distinct arguments. For instance, the second paragraph effectively supports the view of accepting bad situations by citing realistic examples such as securing basic needs and avoiding debt during an unpredictable job market. Similarly, the third paragraph extends the counter-argument regarding proactive change through clear references to upskilling and career progression. The conclusion seamlessly integrates the writer's stance that acceptance should only be a temporary phase. All ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, meeting the Band 8 descriptor for fully covering all parts of the task with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are smoothly sequenced, moving from the general introduction to the two opposing viewpoints, followed by a nuanced personal opinion and a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a single, coherent theme. Cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'Similarly', and 'In my opinion' are managed skillfully to guide the reader through the argumentation without feeling mechanical or obtrusive. Referencing is consistently clear, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are easily understood. This level of organisation aligns comfortably with the Band 7 criteria for logical organisation and clear progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'passive acceptance', 'active intervention', 'financial scarcity', and 'status quo'. Word choices are precise, as seen in phrases like 'temporary phase to regain composure' and 'permanent mindset of resignation'. While there are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, the vocabulary sits just shy of the wide and fluent range required for Band 8 due to a reliance on standard academic collocations rather than truly sophisticated or subtle idiomatic control. Overall, the lexical control is solid and precise, comfortably earning a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer employs sophisticated syntactic forms, such as concessive clauses ('While accepting difficult circumstances...'), participial phrases ('When faced with financial scarcity...'), and conditional logic, demonstrating strong control over grammar and punctuation. The vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only occasional minor slips or stylistic awkwardness that never impede communication. Punctuation is handled flawlessly to separate complex clauses and maintain clarity. This robust command of both simple and complex grammatical forms easily satisfies the criteria for a Band 8.

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