Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-02
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)
The two opinions we have to accept a bad situation or try to improve such situations. In our life sometimes we are at that point where we don't have any other options so at this moment we only have a one choice to accept those situations we are currently facing. In addition , it is a best practice to accept because when you accept the situation we can work on them and tries to imporve the problem and find out the solutions as well. Lets take an example If a student passed out from the university, he get a unsatisfactory job also at the beginning of his professional journey, he also have a shortage of money. In this situation he started the job and starts to work on his skills. Sooner or later he will become a competent and he will get a better job. In this only way he can defeat his current situation. As comapre to the person who just not to accept the situation and tries to not work on his skills. He can't change his current situation. In my opinion we should accept the challenges in our life either its favourable for us or not. By accepting the challenges and starting to work on them we can improve our life. The unsatisfactory job or shortage of money these all things are temporary. The real thing is stand out when you are in your low time. In this way you can set a example infront of others.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive. While you mention the importance of accepting a situation to improve it, the discussion of the opposing view—that one should perhaps change or leave a bad situation—is underdeveloped. The example of the university graduate is relevant but could be expanded to better illustrate the contrast between the two perspectives. To reach a higher band, ensure that both sides of the argument are explored with equal depth and that your supporting examples are more detailed and analytical rather than descriptive.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into a single block of text, which significantly hinders coherence. IELTS essays should be structured into clear paragraphs (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion). While there is a logical progression of ideas, the lack of paragraphing makes the text feel like a stream of consciousness. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In addition' and 'Sooner or later', but they are sometimes used mechanically. To improve, focus on using paragraph breaks to separate distinct ideas and vary your linking words to create a more natural flow between sentences and arguments.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic phrasing, such as 'bad situation' and 'unsatisfactory job', which are repeated throughout. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'passed out from the university' (which usually means to faint; 'graduated' is the correct term) and 'set a example' (should be 'an example'). To improve, try to incorporate more academic collocations and synonyms to avoid repetition and demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'he get a unsatisfactory job' (subject-verb agreement), 'he also have a shortage' (subject-verb agreement), and 'As comapre to the person' (incorrect prepositional phrase). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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