Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-24

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 accepting a difficult situation is the best approach, while others think that people should make an effort to improve their circumstances. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe trying to improve a bad situation is generally more beneficial.

On the one hand, accepting an unsatisfactory situation can sometimes be a sensible choice. Not every problem can be solved immediately, and constantly worrying about things beyond our control can cause stress and disappointment. For example, if a person is facing financial difficulties because of unexpected expenses, accepting the situation temporarily may help them remain calm and focus on managing their limited income. Similarly, someone with an unpleasant job may decide to tolerate it for a period of time if they need a stable salary to support their family.

On the other hand, making an effort to improve one's circumstances can lead to better long-term results. People who are dissatisfied with their jobs can develop new skills, gain qualifications or search for alternative employment. In the same way, those experiencing financial problems can reduce unnecessary spending or look for additional sources of income. Although these steps may require considerable time and effort, they can gradually create more positive opportunities. For instance, a person who studies in their spare time may eventually qualify for a better-paid position.

In my opinion, accepting a difficult situation can be appropriate as a temporary measure, but people should not become passive. Taking practical steps to improve their circumstances is usually a more effective approach because it can increase both their opportunities and their quality of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that of accepting a difficult situation and that of striving to improve it—while clearly presenting the writer's own opinion in both the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as dealing with unexpected financial difficulties or managing an unpleasant job. The arguments are logical, extended appropriately, and maintain a clear position throughout without drifting off-topic. The response satisfies all requirements of Task Achievement at a high standard, corresponding well to the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay is logically structured with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction outlining the structure and stance, two body paragraphs examining opposing views, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion', which help guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Referencing is clear throughout, and paragraphing is managed sufficiently and appropriately, demonstrating the key characteristics of a Band 7 performance.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to the academic prompt. Phrases such as 'unsatisfactory situation', 'beyond our control', 'temporary measure', and 'passive' are used accurately. There is also an attempt to incorporate less common lexical items like 'alternative employment' and 'additional sources of income'. Word choice and collocations are natural for the most part, with no noticeable spelling or word-formation errors that impede communication. This places the lexical performance comfortably within the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional-style framing and participial clauses (e.g., 'People who are dissatisfied with their jobs can develop new skills...', 'Although these steps may require considerable time and effort...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is controlled well throughout. Grammatical accuracy is strong, with only very occasional minor slips or awkward phrasing, which fully justifies a Band 8 for this criterion.

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