Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
Some people think it is better to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or a shortage of money, while others believe it is better to try to improve it. This essay will discuss both views and argue that trying to improve is better.
On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can reduce stress. When people accept what they cannot change, they feel more peaceful. For example, during an economic crisis, it is very hard to find a new job. In such a case, accepting the current job is a sensible decision. Furthermore, acceptance can teach patience and make people more grateful for what they have, like family and health, rather than always worrying about money.
On the other hand, I believe that making an effort to improve a bad situation is more important for long-term success. If a person stays in a boring or low-paying job forever, they may lose confidence and motivation. By learning new skills, studying further, or starting a small business, they can change their life. For instance, many young people in Pakistan are learning English and IT skills to get better jobs or to go abroad. This hard work not only solves financial problems but also gives them self-respect and a better future.
In conclusion, although accepting a bad situation can bring short-term peace, I strongly agree that we should try to improve it. Taking positive action leads to growth and a more satisfying life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—accepting a bad situation versus trying to improve it—and clearly states their own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are relevant, with the first body paragraph exploring the stress-reduction benefits of acceptance, and the second body paragraph providing logical support for self-improvement, backed by a real-world example of young people learning English and IT skills in Pakistan. However, the response is negatively impacted by the length requirement: the text contains 243 words, which falls short of the 250-word minimum specified for Task 2. Consequently, Task Achievement is penalised for under-length, preventing the score from reaching a higher band despite the clear structure and developed arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: an introduction, a paragraph exploring acceptance, a paragraph arguing for self-improvement, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'For instance'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the contrasting viewpoints effectively. Referencing is clear throughout the text, and overall, the coherence and cohesion of the essay meet the descriptors for Band 7 very comfortably, showing a well-managed and logically sequenced flow of ideas.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the task. Phrases such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'economic crisis', 'long-term success', and 'financial problems' show a sufficient command of topic-specific le词 (lexis). The writer also attempts less common items with general success, such as 'sensible decision' and 'self-respect'. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or rare, it is accurate and completely natural, allowing the message to be communicated without any strain. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors, placing this firmly within the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, though the overall breadth is somewhat standard rather than wide.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The writer displays a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'When people accept what they cannot change, they feel more peaceful' and 'If a person stays in a boring or low-paying job forever, they may lose confidence and motivation.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While the structural range is not exceptionally wide, the high level of accuracy and the successful deployment of complex sentence patterns mean the grammar meets the criteria for a strong performance at this level.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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