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)
People have different views about uncertain situations. Some believe that accepting these situations is best, while others believe that one should take measures to improve these situations. This essay will discuss both views, but personally, I largely believe that we can handle these situations in a better way by working on them.
On the one hand, some people opine that if bad or unexpected things happen to us, we should accept them without thinking or working on them. For example, if someone has shortage of money he should not try anything to get out of this trouble, but if he compromises with this situation he will remain in this situation for a long period of time, and later this condition may cause frustration in him and affect him mentally.
On the other hand, some people argue that in these bad situations we should take healthy measures to cope with them in a better way. For instance, if a person has unsatisfactory job conditions, he should try to get another job rather than continue this job. This will help him to grow and move further.
In my opinion, it is really beneficial for us if we fight against uncertainty and do our best to convert these unusual situations into positive ones; it might be a key to success. We should work harder to get out of these situations.
In conclusion, it is better to try new things rather than stick to bad circumstances. In fact, we should motivate each other to fight better and move ahead with positivity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on how to deal with difficult situations and clearly stating the writer's own opinion that improving situations is better. The ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as job dissatisfaction. However, the development of ideas remains somewhat general and lacks deeper extension. For instance, the discussion on the mental effects of financial shortage is briefly stated rather than fully explored. Nevertheless, a clear position is maintained throughout the essay. This performance fits comfortably into Band 6.0, as it covers all parts of the prompt with relevant ideas, though some areas remain slightly under-developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The essay presents a clear overall structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing each view and the writer's opinion, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In my opinion', and 'In conclusion' are utilised to guide the reader through the text, although they are somewhat mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression between sentences can feel repetitive at times. Overall, the organisation demonstrates clear logical sequencing, earning a Band 6.5.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'uncertain situations', 'unsatisfactory job conditions', and 'frustration'. However, there are some word choice and collocation issues, such as saying 'has shortage of money' instead of 'a shortage of money' or 'continue this job' instead of 'remain in this job'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with occasional inaccuracies, but meaning is never impeded. These limitations align well with the Band 6 descriptor, demonstrating sufficient lexical resource for routine communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, using conditional structures and subordinate clauses appropriately, such as 'if bad or unexpected things happen to us, we should accept them'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including missing articles ('has shortage', 'unsatisfactory job') and slight prepositional inaccuracies. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the majority of simple sentences are clear. This blend of structures and minor controlled errors warrants a Band 6.0 score.
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