Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-27
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)
In the modern world, some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money, while others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. This essay will discuss both perspectives, and examining, while I believe a balanced approach is the best option.
Examining the former view that it is best to accept a bad situation, first of all, people should reduce stress and frustration because some situations cannot be changed quickly. Furthermore, people should face these problems, and accepting reality can help people stay calm and focus on what they have. For example, a person with temporary financial issues may reduce unnecessary expenses instead of continually worrying. Besides, many people have less opportunities, such as not everyone has the resources, education, or support to improve their situation immediately.
On the contrary, it is better to try and improve the situation. Trying to improve a situation can lead to personal growth and success because making efforts can help people gain new skills and achieve better results. In addition, improvement often creates more opportunities. For instance, an employee can take training course to get a better job. Lastly, people can solve long-term problems. Accepting a poor situation forever may prevent progress.
To conclude, people should accept situations that cannot be changed immediately. However, they should continue making responsible efforts to improve these circumstances over time.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response addresses both views regarding the acceptance or improvement of bad situations and presents a personal opinion in the introduction. However, there are significant limitations in task achievement. Crucially, the response falls short of the minimum word count requirement, containing only 237 words compared to the required 250 words, which incurs a direct penalty. Furthermore, while the ideas presented are generally relevant, the development of arguments tends to be somewhat repetitive and lacks depth, particularly in the conclusion of the second body paragraph where the point about resources is introduced rather abruptly. The position stated is understandable, but overall idea expansion remains basic. Consequently, the score reflects these limitations in length and development, aligning with the descriptors for Band 5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay displays a logical overall arrangement with clear paragraphs dedicated to introduction, discussing the first view, discussing the second view, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to signal transitions, such as 'Examining the former view', 'On the contrary', and 'To conclude'. However, referencing and cohesion can be a bit mechanical at times, and the transition within the introduction ('this essay will discuss both perspectives, and examining, while I believe...') contains a grammatical breakdown that disrupts the flow. Paragraphing is adequate, but the logical progression between sentences within body paragraphs could be smoother and better linked. Overall, the organizational structure meets the requirements for Band 6.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'shortage of money', 'financial issues', and 'personal growth'. However, the lexical resource is somewhat limited and repetitive, with frequent reuse of words like 'situation' and 'improve'. There are also minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'less opportunities' instead of 'fewer opportunities' and 'take training course' missing a plural or article ('take training courses' or 'take a training course'). The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands, placing it firmly at Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures appropriately in places, such as 'while I believe a balanced approach is the best option' and 'Accepting a poor situation forever may prevent progress.' There are, however, several noticeable grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text. For example, the sentence 'This essay will discuss both perspectives, and examining, while I believe...' is grammatically incomplete and confusing. Additionally, minor errors like 'less opportunities' (fewer) and missing articles persist. While these errors do not severely impede overall communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the grammar score from reaching Band 7.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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