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)
When people face difficult circumstances, such as a disappointing job or financial problems, they tend to respond in one of two ways. Some believe it is wiser to accept the situation, while others feel they should work to change it. Although acceptance has its merits, I believe that trying to improve a bad situation is generally the better approach.
On the one hand, there are reasons why accepting a difficult situation can be sensible. Not every problem can be solved quickly, and constantly fighting against circumstances beyond one's control can lead to stress and frustration. For example, during an economic recession, jobs may be scarce, so a person who stays in an unsatisfying position may at least enjoy financial security. In addition, acceptance can bring a kind of peace of mind, allowing people to focus on the positive aspects of their lives, such as family and friendships, rather than dwelling on what they lack.
On the other hand, those who try to improve their situation often achieve far better outcomes in the long term. Someone who is unhappy at work might take evening courses, learn new skills or apply for other positions, and eventually find a more rewarding career. Similarly, a person struggling with money could create a budget, reduce unnecessary spending or look for additional sources of income. Passively accepting such problems usually means they continue or even worsen, whereas taking action gives people a sense of control and purpose.
In my opinion, the best approach is to accept what genuinely cannot be changed while actively working on what can. However, most everyday problems, including poor jobs and money shortages, can be improved with effort and planning. Therefore, I believe people should not simply resign themselves to a bad situation but should take practical steps to make it better.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on accepting versus changing a difficult situation and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout. In the introduction, the writer outlines the dilemma and states a clear position. Body paragraph one explores the merits of acceptance, citing relevant examples such as economic recessions and job scarcity. Body paragraph two argues effectively for proactive change, supporting ideas with logical examples like taking evening courses or budgeting. The conclusion neatly synthesises the arguments and reinforces the writer's stance. Ideas are well-developed and extended logically, easily meeting the Band 7 and 8 criteria for Task Achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from introduction to the two opposing views, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Similarly', and 'Therefore' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. There are no noticeable lapses in cohesion or referencing, making the essay extremely easy to follow and demonstrating strong control over structural flow.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The writer demonstrates a sufficient and natural range of vocabulary adequate for this academic task. Less common lexical items and collocations are used effectively, such as 'economic recession', 'financial security', 'peace of mind', and 'resign themselves'. Word choice is generally precise, as seen in phrases like 'passively accepting' and 'additional sources of income'. While it stops just short of the wide, highly sophisticated flexibility required for a Band 8, the vocabulary deployed allows for clear, precise expression with virtually no inappropriate collocations or spelling errors, easily securing a Band 7.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The essay exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs conditional and transitional clauses, such as 'Although acceptance has its merits, I believe that...' and 'Someone who is unhappy at work might take evening courses...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Control over grammar is strong, and there are no persistent structural errors that impede communication. This demonstrates the solid command associated with a Band 8 performance.
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