Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-30
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 views and give your own opinion.
Student answer (Band 8.5)
It is often argued that people should accept unpleasant situations, such as an inferior job or financial difficulties, while others believe that they should make some efforts to improve their circumstances. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe in striving for a better situation is generally the preferable approach.
On the one hand, accepting an unpleasant situation can sometimes be the most pragmatic decision. Individuals people may lack the financial resources, capabilities or opportunities required to improve their circumstances immediately. For example, an individual supporting a family may have no choice but to remain in a low-income job because leaving it could place their household under financial stress. Moreover, constantly pursuing unrealistic goals may lead to frustration, anxiety and dissatisfaction. Therefore, learning to appreciate what one already has can contribute to greater emotional stability and life satisfaction.
On the other hand, making an effort to improve one’s situation is generally a additional beneficial approach. Society has progressed because people refused to remain satisfied with unfavourable circumstances. Individuals who continue learning new skills, applying for better jobs or starting their own businesseses often relish greater financial security and personal fulfilment. For instance, many successful entrepreneurs began their careers in poorly paid positions but transformed their lives through determination, continuous learning and perseverance. If they had accepted their initial circumstances, they might never have achieved their potential.
In conclusion, although accepting an unfavourable situation may sometimes be inevitable, I believe it should only be regarded as a temporary solution. Whenever possible, people should continue striving to improve their circumstances, as doing so not only enhances their quality of life but also allows them to realise their full potential.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both views—the pragmatic argument for acceptance and the aspirational argument for improvement—and provided a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of entrepreneurs and the constraints of supporting a family. The position is consistent and logically supported, meeting the requirements for a high band score by maintaining a balanced yet decisive tone.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the argument. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, which is characteristic of a high-level response.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms such as 'pragmatic', 'emotional stability', 'unfavourable circumstances', and 'perseverance' effectively. There are very few errors, though there is a minor slip with 'businesseses' (spelling) and 'a additional' (article usage). Despite these rare slips, the vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of your argument. The language is sufficiently sophisticated to convey complex ideas without difficulty.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with conditional clauses ('If they had accepted...') and participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips, such as 'Individuals people' (redundancy), do not impede communication. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the control over sentence structure is strong, allowing for a fluent reading experience.
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