Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-25
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 5.5)
whether to accept difficult situation or actively try to change is a common dilemma .While accepting hardship can have some psychological benefits, i believe that trying to improve is ultimately worthwhile. On the other hand accepting bad situation can reduce stress. when a problem is largely bigger than our control it may lead to anxiety and frustration. for example when better opportunities jobs are not provided people get less salary paying unsatisfied job temporarily may be more realistic than resigning from a philosophical standpoint, learning to be grateful for what we have rather than wanting more gives you inner piece. on the other hand trying to improve is better for long time process by this many things can be achieved it gives satisfaction when you achive something by trying . Oe example . my elder brother was very weak in english but he tried and tried after all he did manage to get a decent score in ielts test that brought him a lot of joy and satisfaction and he achived something new rather tham staying on same position. Altjough we have one life if we do not try anything to achieve then what would be the purpose of life. in conclusion, where accepting a bad situation can be less stressful and frustrating , I am convinced that making consistent efforts to improve adverse situations is better approach for long term personal growth and satisfaction. In my view we should not be afraid of trying it can change peoples life
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—accepting a bad situation versus trying to improve it—and clearly states the writer's own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported, such as when the author discusses the psychological relief of acceptance or uses a personal example regarding an elder brother's IELTS success to support the view of trying to improve. Although some arguments are slightly general or brief, the main positions are well developed and the overall task requirements are fully met.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear progression of ideas from the introduction to the body paragraphs and conclusion. Paragraphing is attempted, though some paragraphs are run together or lack clear boundary signals. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the other hand', 'for example', and 'in conclusion', but referencing and transitions are sometimes mechanical or faulty. For instance, the phrase 'on the other hand' is repeated twice in close proximity to introduce contrasting points without proper logical coordination.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'dilemma', 'philosophical standpoint', and 'adverse situations'. However, there are noticeable word-choice and collocation errors, such as writing 'salary paying unsatisfied job' instead of 'low-paying, unsatisfying job', and 'inner piece' instead of 'inner peace'. Spelling and capitalization errors are also present throughout the text, though they do not seriously impede overall communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over structure. However, the text contains frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding capitalization, punctuation, and article usage (e.g., 'whether to accept difficult situation', 'better approach for long term personal growth'). Run-on sentences and missing punctuation at the ends of clauses also occur frequently. While these errors do not completely obscure the meaning, they constrain the clarity and accuracy of the writing.
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