Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-16

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 7.5)

There are differing opinions on how people should respond to unfavorable circumstances, such as financial difficulties or job dissatisfaction. While some believe that acceptance is the wiser path, others argue that taking action to improve the situation is more beneficial. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.

On one hand, proponents of acceptance argue that constantly striving to change one's circumstances can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. Not every situation can be improved through effort alone; external factors such as economic downturns or limited job markets are often beyond an individual's control. For example, someone stuck in a low-paying job during a recession may find that job-hopping only leads to instability rather than improvement. In such cases, accepting the situation and focusing on finding contentment within it can protect one's mental health and reduce anxiety.

On the other hand, many argue that passive acceptance can result in stagnation and missed opportunities for personal growth. Human progress, both individually and collectively, has often come from a refusal to settle for unsatisfactory conditions. A person dissatisfied with their job, for instance, might pursue further education, develop new skills, or seek better opportunities elsewhere — actions that could significantly improve their financial and emotional well-being. Historical examples also show that societal advancements, from workers' rights to technological innovation, emerged because people refused to accept the status quo.

In my opinion, while acceptance has its place in situations that are genuinely unchangeable, actively working to improve one's circumstances is generally the more constructive approach. Blind acceptance without any attempt at improvement can foster complacency, whereas a balanced approach — accepting what cannot be changed while taking meaningful action on what can — leads to both peace of mind and long-term progress.

In conclusion, although accepting a difficult situation may offer short-term relief, taking proactive steps toward improvement is usually more beneficial in the long run, provided the effort is realistic and well-directed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the argument for acceptance and the argument for active improvement—and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as economic downturns and personal skill development. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the two viewpoints by suggesting a balanced approach. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion. The structure is coherent, and the logical flow is maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'unfavorable circumstances,' 'passive acceptance,' 'stagnation,' and 'status quo' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary effectively conveys your ideas with nuance and clarity. The range is sufficient to allow for precise expression throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. You demonstrate good control over verb tenses and modal verbs, such as in the sentence 'Human progress... has often come from a refusal to settle for unsatisfactory conditions.' There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over complex structures is consistent and accurate, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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

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