Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-11-12

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 views and give your own opinion.

 

Student answer (Band 5.5)

A section of society believes that the great method to deal with detrimental circumstances is acceptance, while opponents agrue that one should try to improve their current situation.I believe that doing something is worth rather nothing.

To begin with, there are myriad of reasons why it is necessary to accept the situation.Firstly, it helps to reduce mental stress and disappointments. This means that not every circumstances is within the people's contol.Constantly worrying about it can adversely affect mental well being.For instance, people having low salary income may continue beacause of family responsibilities.Secondly,in this way, people appreciate what they already have and maintain positive attitude towards life.

On the other hand,trying something new is a productive method because it creates better opportunities and improves overall quality of life.To examplify, people with financial constraints may try to learn new skills, pursue higher studies and part-time jobsto fulfill the needs.Moreover, overcoming challenges develop self confidence, problem solving abilities and become independent.These values are essential for both personal and professional life.

In conclusion,although accepting situation is best to overcome stress and disappoinments

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both views and state a preference in the opening: “doing something is worth rather nothing.” The body paragraphs give relevant reasons, including reduced stress and appreciation for what one has, as well as better opportunities and confidence through trying to improve one’s circumstances. However, the position is not fully clear or consistently developed: the conclusion stops after “although accepting situation is best to overcome stress,” so it does not complete the contrast or restate your own view. The examples are brief and some points, such as how learning skills improves financial circumstances, need explanation. The response is also below the required minimum length, which limits how fully you can discuss both sides. Develop each main idea and finish with a clear, complete conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a concluding paragraph. Signposts such as “To begin with,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” help readers follow the broad direction. Within paragraphs, however, ideas are often listed rather than developed in a clear sequence, and the conclusion is incomplete, leaving the overall progression unfinished. Some transitions are attached awkwardly to the next sentence, as in “On the other hand,trying something new,” and spacing after full stops is inconsistent. Improve cohesion by linking each reason to its explanation or example, using clear sentence boundaries, and ensuring the conclusion completes the argument rather than ending mid-thought.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “detrimental circumstances,” “mental stress,” “financial constraints,” and “problem solving abilities.” These choices show an attempt to express ideas beyond basic everyday language. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “the great method,” “low salary income,” and “pursue higher studies and part-time jobs to fulfill the needs.” Spelling errors, including “agrue,” “contol,” and “disappoinments,” also reduce accuracy. Aim for natural combinations such as “an effective way,” “a low income,” and “meet their needs.” Proofreading spelling and checking unfamiliar phrases in context would make your meaning clearer and your vocabulary more precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “circumstances … within the people's control” and a conditional example about people with financial constraints. Meaning is generally understandable, but errors occur in sentence construction, agreement, articles, and punctuation. For example, “there are myriad of reasons” needs an article or a plural form, “not every circumstances” has a number-agreement problem, and “overcoming challenges develop” has a subject–verb agreement error. The final sentence is also incomplete: “although accepting situation is best to overcome stress and disappointments.” Work on complete sentence boundaries, singular and plural agreement, and article use. Then check each sentence for a clear subject and verb before submitting.

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