Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-30
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)
Some people argue that embracing an unpleasant circumstance, such as an unfulfilling job or lack of money is good. However, others believe that thriving to improve such situations is better. I believe that trying is better option as giving it a try leads to a better life without any stress.
There are several reasons why some people choose to accept difficult circumstances. Firstly, they might have tried many time to improve the bad situation, and as a result they have lost hope that things will get better. For example, a person who has applied for dozens of times and got rejected each time may decide to stay in an unsatisfying position rather than face further disappointment in the future. In this case, acceptance is not a choice but a way of protecting oneself from stress.
On the other hand, many people believe that it is better to improve a difficult situation. Firstly, taking small steps can eventually alter a person's life. For instance, a worker who learns a new skill online may get a better job within a year. This shows that effort provides a real chance to escape hardship.
In conclusion, putting up with an unpleasant situation leads to stress while striving to improve can change a person's life by good opportunities. I completely agree that trying to improve is wisest response.
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 all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on whether to accept or try to improve difficult situations, and clearly states the writer's own opinion. Ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as the worker learning a new skill online. However, there is a penalty applied because the text is under-length, containing only 223 words compared to the minimum requirement of 250 words. This under-length impacts the full development of ideas, restricting the response to Band 5.0 for Task Achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay is generally coherent with a clear overall structure, utilizing standard paragraphing for the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader through the arguments. However, referencing and transitions are at times a bit mechanical, and the paragraphing and linking could be more sophisticated. Overall, the organization is logical and easy to follow, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common phrases such as 'unpleasant circumstance', 'unfulfilling job', and 'further disappointment'. There are some slight lexical inaccuracies, such as 'thriving to improve' instead of 'striving to improve', and 'by good opportunities' instead of 'with good opportunities', but these errors do not impede communication. The lexical control aligns with a Band 6.0 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or participial clauses like 'a person who has applied for dozens of times and got rejected each time'. There are some noticeable grammatical errors, such as 'applied for dozens of times' (should be 'applied dozens of times'), and minor preposition issues, but the majority of sentences are understandable and do not impede communication, meriting a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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