Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-01

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 7.0)

People have different views about how people or individuals should deal with difficult situations in life. While some believe that accepting an unsatisfactory situation is the most sensible approach but others argue that people should make an effort to improve their circumstances. I believe that although acceptance can sometimes be necessary, trying to bring about positive change is generally a better option.

On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can be beneficial when it is beyond a person’s control. Life does not always go according to our expectations, and constantly worrying about unavoidable circumstances can lead to frustration and disappointment. For example, if someone is unable to change an unexpected financial problem immediately, accepting the situation may help them remain calm and focus on finding practical solutions. Moreover, acceptance can prevent people from wasting their time and energy on matters that cannot be changed.

On the other hand, I believe that people should not simply tolerate unsatisfactory circumstances when there is a possibility of improvement. Taking action can help individuals overcome financial difficulties, develop their skills and create better opportunities. For instance, a person who is dissatisfied with their salary could learn new skills, gain professional experience or search for a better-paying job rather than accepting their financial condition permanently. This proactive attitude can also increase confidence and provide a greater sense of achievement.

In conclusion, accepting an unpleasant situation can sometimes be the most realistic choice, particularly when it cannot be changed. However, I strongly believe that people should take constructive action whenever they have the opportunity to improve their circumstances, rather than simply accepting an unsatisfactory situation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—acceptance versus proactive improvement—and provides a clear position throughout. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of dealing with an unexpected financial problem or a dissatisfied salary. However, there is a slight tendency to over-generalise in the exploration of human behaviour and circumstances. While the arguments are well-reasoned, some points could be explored with even greater depth to bridge the gap to higher bands. For instance, the discussion on acceptance could elaborate further on the psychological benefits before transitioning to the opposing view. Overall, the task is fully covered with clear main ideas supported by relevant evidence.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory overview, moving to body paragraphs that evaluate each perspective respectively, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly, with appropriate markers such as 'While', 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' guiding the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed effectively, ensuring that the transition between accepting a situation and taking proactive steps is seamless and logical. Although referencing is clear, slightly more varied substitution or referencing pronouns could enhance the cohesion further.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, such as 'unsatisfactory circumstances', 'beyond a person's control', and 'proactive attitude'. Less common lexical items are attempted with a general awareness of style and collocation, including 'unavoidable circumstances' and 'constructive action'. However, there are occasional limitations and minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation that prevent the writing from achieving a higher band. For example, phrases like 'financial condition' could be refined to 'financial situation' or 'financial standing'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate and do not impede communication, showing an adequate resource for the demands of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, featuring conditional clauses, participial phrases, and relative clauses, such as 'While some believe that accepting an unsatisfactory situation is the most sensible approach but others argue'—though this specific sentence contains a minor conjunction error ('While... but...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, demonstrating good overall control of grammar and punctuation. Control over verb forms and tenses is generally reliable, and noun phrases are handled securely. A few minor errors persist, such as the double conjunction usage mentioned above and occasional preposition choices, but these do not impede communication and showcase a solid mix of simple and complex sentence forms.

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