Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-29

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 7.5)

Some people believe that it is better to accept difficult circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial problems, while others argue that people should make efforts to improve their situation. Although acceptance can sometimes be practical, I believe that people should generally try to make positive changes when they have the opportunity to do so.

On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can be a sensible choice in certain circumstances. Some problems are temporary or beyond an individual's control, and constantly trying to change them may result in stress and disappointment. For example, if someone loses their job during an economic recession, finding another position may be extremely difficult. In this situation, accepting temporary unemployment, reducing unnecessary expenses and waiting for better opportunities may be more realistic. Similarly, a person with significant family responsibilities may have to remain in an unsatisfactory job because they depend on a regular salary. Acceptance in such cases can provide financial stability while allowing people to make a long-term plan.

On the other hand, attempting to improve an undesirable situation can create better opportunities and a higher quality of life. If people simply accept every problem they face, they may never achieve their full potential. For instance, an employee who is unhappy with a low-paying job could learn new skills, complete professional training and apply for better positions. Although this process may require time and effort, it can eventually lead to improved financial security and job satisfaction. Moreover, overcoming challenges can help individuals develop confidence, independence and resilience.

In my opinion, people should neither accept every difficulty passively nor try to change situations that are completely beyond their control. Instead, they should consider whether they have the ability and resources to improve their circumstances. If meaningful change is possible, taking action is usually the better choice. However, when circumstances cannot be changed immediately, acceptance combined with a realistic long-term plan may be more appropriate.

In conclusion, accepting difficult situations can sometimes be necessary, but I believe that people should make reasonable efforts to improve problems that are within their control. This balanced approach can help individuals cope with present difficulties while working towards a better future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that accepting a difficult situation is beneficial and that attempting to improve it is better—while clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction and reinforcing it throughout. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as losing a job during an economic recession or an employee learning new skills for a better-paying position. The position is maintained consistently from the first paragraph through to the conclusion, striking a balanced and thoughtful view on when to accept and when to act. The criteria for Band 8 are strongly met because all parts of the task are covered well with fully extended and supported ideas, showing no omissions or under-developed arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Cohesion and logical progression are managed very well throughout the essay. The response opens with a clear introductory paragraph containing a thesis statement and the author's stance. Each body paragraph flows logically from the previous one, beginning with clear topic sentences such as 'On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can be a sensible choice' and 'On the other hand, attempting to improve an undesirable situation can create better opportunities'. Cohesive devices like 'For example', 'Similarly', 'Moreover', and 'Instead' are used appropriately and naturally to guide the reader through the argumentation. Paragraphing is fully logical and functional, with a clear separation of ideas leading into a concise summary conclusion. These features align closely with the Band 8 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to an academic discussion. Phrases like 'difficult circumstances', 'unsatisfactory job', 'financial stability', 'economic recession', and 'professional training' are used accurately and naturally. The writer also successfully incorporates less common lexical items and collocations, such as 'achieve their full potential', 'long-term plan', and 'resilience'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only very rare, natural phrasing choices that never impede communication. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout. This lexical control comfortably meets the standard for a Band 7.5 to 8.0, and is best represented by a solid Band 7.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide variety of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs conditional and concessive clauses, such as 'Although acceptance can sometimes be practical, I believe that...' and 'If meaningful change is possible, taking action is usually the better choice.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over punctuation and tense consistency is strong. Complex constructions are integrated smoothly without straining readability. While minor slips can occasionally occur in complex sentence creation across a full essay, the overall grammatical control here represents a very solid performance that sits comfortably at Band 8.0.

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