Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-12
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 5.0)
Some people believe that it is bitter to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or lack of money. Others think that people should try to improve their lives instead of accepting problems.
On the other hand, some people prefer difficult situation because they believe that nothing can be changed. For example, a person may continue working in a low -paid job because they are afraid of losing their income. Similarly, people with financial problems may accept their situation because they have family.
On the other hand, i believe that trying to improve a bad situation is a better choice. People can learn new skills, find better jobs and work hard to improve their financial conditions. For instance, a person who is not satisfied with their job can study in their free time and apply for better opportunities. Although making changes can be difficult.
In conclusion, although accepting a difficult situation can sometimes provide peace of mind, i believe that people should try to improve their circumstances. Hard work, patience and a positive attitude can help them build a better future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
You introduce both views and state a clear preference for improving difficult circumstances, so the response is relevant to the question. However, the discussion is only partial: the first body paragraph gives reasons for accepting hardship, but the point that people may do so because they “have family” is unclear and not explained. Your own view is supported with a practical example about studying and applying for better jobs, but this idea needs further development and a fuller comparison of the two positions. The response contains 172 words, which is 78 words below the required minimum; 11 words copied from the prompt were not counted. This limits the space available to develop your reasons and examples. Add specific explanation and detail for both views.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, and the reader can follow your overall preference. However, progression between the ideas is limited, and the repeated opening “On the other hand” for both body paragraphs makes the relationship between them unclear: the first presents acceptance, while the second presents the opposing view. Use a contrast marker only where it accurately signals a change, and make each paragraph’s main point explicit. Some links between claims also need explanation, particularly the connection between financial problems and “because they have family.” The conclusion restates your position but adds little synthesis. Clearer paragraph focus and more precise referencing would make the argument easier to follow.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
Your vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main topic, using relevant phrases such as “low-paid job,” “financial conditions,” “better opportunities” and “peace of mind.” However, the range is limited, with repeated use of general words such as “situation,” “people” and “improve.” Some choices are inaccurate or unclear: “bitter to accept” does not express the intended idea, and “people prefer difficult situation” suggests they like hardship rather than feel unable to change it. “Because they have family” is also imprecise. Aim for more exact language about resignation, financial security and family responsibilities, while checking collocations and plural forms. This would make your meaning clearer and allow you to discuss the topic with greater precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
You use mostly straightforward sentence patterns, and several sentences communicate their meaning clearly, including “People can learn new skills, find better jobs and work hard to improve their financial conditions.” There is also an attempt at a complex sentence with “Although making changes can be difficult,” but this is a dependent clause presented as a complete sentence; connect it to the preceding idea. Other errors include the missing capital letters in “i,” the singular “difficult situation” after “prefer,” and the unclear pronoun agreement in “a person … they are afraid.” The sentence structures are generally understandable, but the range is narrow and control is uneven. Practise combining clauses accurately and checking sentence boundaries, capitalization and agreement.
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