Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-13

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 6.0)

It is undeniable that tolerating negative circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial difficulties, is the most pragmatic approach. Conversely, I contend that it is more advantageous to make concerted efforts to improve such challenging situations.

To commence with, there are several compelling reasons why some individuals believe that accepting adversities, like an unsatisfactory job or financial constraints, is the optimal strategy. Firstly, many may overlook job opportunities that are both financially rewarding and conveniently located. This oversight can lead to long commutes or relocation, which may only exacerbate their dissatisfaction in the short term. Secondly, while enduring unpleasant work conditions may seem counterproductive, such situations can potentially enhance individuals' creativity and resourcefulness. For instance, facing constraints may encourage employees to innovate and develop new skills, ultimately benefiting their long-term career trajectories.

Nevertheless, there exists a strong case for actively striving to improve one's circumstances rather than passively accepting them. One key argument in favor of this view is that by demonstrating resilience and a proactive attitude, individuals may foster trust and rapport with their colleagues and superiors, leading to tangible benefits such as raises or promotions. For example, a diligent employee who consistently goes above and beyond may attract recognition from management, resulting in increased responsibilities and financial rewards. Furthermore, failing to take action to enhance one's quality of life can lead to feelings of fatigue and disillusionment. In extreme cases, this could drive individuals towards illegal activities as a means of escaping their plight, highlighting the importance of seeking legitimate avenues for improvement.

To conclude, there are several benefits in favor of latter point view such as demonstrating resilience, proactive attitude and feelings of fatigue, yet according to me that it is best to accept a bad situation such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, there is a significant contradiction between the introduction and the conclusion. In the introduction, you state that you contend it is better to improve situations, but in the conclusion, you state that it is best to accept them. This lack of consistency undermines the development of your position. While the ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as the mention of career trajectories and illegal activities, the final paragraph fails to synthesize the argument logically, which impacts the overall task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas throughout the body. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Nevertheless', and 'Furthermore' to link your points effectively. However, the final paragraph is problematic; it attempts to summarize but ends with a confusing reference to 'latter point view' and a contradictory conclusion. This makes the final impression of the essay's structure disjointed. Despite this, the internal structure of the body paragraphs remains coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'pragmatic approach', 'concerted efforts', 'resilience', and 'disillusionment' appropriately. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items, which adds sophistication to your writing. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in collocation and phrasing, such as 'latter point view' and 'according to me that it is best'. These errors do not impede communication, but they do prevent the essay from reaching a higher band score for lexical precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'While enduring unpleasant work conditions may seem counterproductive, such situations can potentially enhance individuals' creativity'. There are some grammatical slips, particularly in the conclusion, where the sentence structure becomes awkward ('according to me that it is best'). However, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation and tense is generally good. The errors present are minor and do not cause difficulty for the reader.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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