Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-22

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 7.0)

### Introduction

Some people believe that it is better to accept difficult circumstances, such as an unsatisfactory job or financial problems, rather than trying to change them. Others argue that people should make efforts to improve their situations. I agree with the latter view because taking action can create better opportunities and improve people's quality of life.

### Body Paragraph 1

There are some reasons why people may choose to accept a bad situation. Firstly, changing difficult circumstances can be stressful and risky. For example, a person with an unsatisfactory job may be afraid to leave it because they need a regular income to support their family. Similarly, someone experiencing financial difficulties may not have enough money to start a new business or obtain further education. Therefore, accepting a difficult situation can sometimes provide stability and prevent additional problems.

### Body Paragraph 2

However, I believe that trying to improve a bad situation is generally more beneficial. People who are unhappy with their jobs can develop new skills, gain qualifications or search for better employment. In the same way, people facing financial problems can reduce unnecessary expenses, find additional sources of income or learn skills that can increase their earning potential. Although these steps may require time and effort, they can lead to long-term improvements and greater personal satisfaction.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, although accepting a difficult situation may sometimes be the safest choice, I believe that people should generally try to improve their circumstances. Taking practical steps to solve problems can provide better opportunities and lead to a more satisfying and financially secure life.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource6.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.0
Overall7.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the perspective of accepting difficult situations and the argument for actively improving them. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with logical examples, such as the mention of financial constraints and the need for skill development. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by exploring the potential negative consequences of 'trying to improve' situations, such as the risk of failure or burnout, which would provide a more nuanced discussion of the 'both views' requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is handled effectively using the connector 'However'. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Similarly', and 'In conclusion' to link your points. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'unsatisfactory job', 'financial difficulties', and 'earning potential' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'stagnation', 'proactive measures', or 'resilience', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although these steps may require time and effort, they can lead to long-term improvements'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors that do not impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or conditional sentences, to show greater flexibility in your grammatical range.

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

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