Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-23

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 suited for individuals to accept a bad situation such as less income or unsatisfied jobs because it has less risk involved . Others contend that people should try to improve their conditions as it would provide a good pathway for the future. I believe in the latter sentiment because the benefits strongly outweigh the risks.

On the one hand, people believe that we should be happy with what we have rather than complaining about less income or unsatisfactory jobs. This provides a stable income for the people as people work without any complains. There are also very low risks involved in this trend as people are less likely to get fired if they work peacefully. For example, a report shows that more than 40% of the professionals get fired by demanding more than what they are valued. I disagree with this view because it limits a person's growth and passion to explore new things.

On the other hand, others contend that people should try to ameliorate their situation as it could be very beneficial for their future. Although it consists of various risks such as getting fired and unstable income, it could act as a stepping stone to improve people's quality of life. For example, an article showcases that almost 60% of the successful entreprenuers had risked their career by leaving their former jobs to follow what they desire. I agree with this view because it provides workers an option to choose their life and fulfill their dreams.

To conclude, although some believe people should be able to accept some bad circumstances because of the risk of involved, I disagree because it limits people growth and potential. Furthermore, it stops individuals from reaching their desire and happiness.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on accepting versus improving a bad situation and provides a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The student's position is stated clearly in the introduction and maintained consistently in the body paragraphs and conclusion. Ideas are supported with reasoning and examples, such as the references to percentages of professionals and entrepreneurs, though these statistics appear generalised. The arguments are adequately developed, fitting the band 7 descriptor for addressing all parts of the task with a clear position and extended, supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the first view, the second view, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'To conclude' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. However, referencing and transitions are sometimes a bit formulaic, which prevents the essay from reaching higher band descriptors. Overall, the structural flow is clear and coherent.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common items like 'ameliorate', 'entreprenuers' (spelled 'entreprenuers' in the text, indicating a minor spelling slip), and 'unsatisfactory'. There is an adequate attempt to use precise phrasing related to the topic of careers and personal development. While there are a few minor lexical inaccuracies and spelling errors—such as 'entreprenuers' and 'people growth' instead of 'people's growth'—these do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within band 6.5 to 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like conditional and subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'Although it consists of various risks such as getting fired and unstable income, it could act as a stepping stone...'). There are some minor grammatical errors, such as 'risk of involved' instead of 'risk involved' and a missing apostrophe in 'people growth', but the majority of sentences are clear and correct. These errors do not impede communication and reflect the control typical of a band 6.5 or 7.0 writer.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.