Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-05
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 6.5)
Nowadays, people sometimes face difficult situations in their life. For example, they may have a job which they do not like or they may have problems with money. Some people think that it is better to accept these situations, while others believe that people should try to change them. In my opinion, people should try to improve their situation when it is possible.
On the one hand, accepting a bad situation can sometimes be a good choice. Some problems cannot be changed quickly, and trying too hard can create more stress. For example, a person may have a low salary because there are not many jobs in their area. In this case, leaving the job immediately may create financial problems for the family. It can be better to continue working while looking for another job. Also, accepting some situations can help people feel calmer and avoid unnecessary worry.
On the other hand, I believe that people should not accept difficult situations for a long time if they have an opportunity to improve them. A person who dislikes their job can learn new skills and apply for better positions. Similarly, someone with financial problems can reduce unnecessary spending or find additional work. For example, many people take online courses to learn new skills and later find better jobs. This can improve both their income and their quality of life.
In conclusion, accepting a difficult situation can sometimes be necessary, especially when there are no immediate alternatives. However, I believe that people should make reasonable efforts to improve their lives. Being patient is important, but people should also take action when they have a realistic opportunity to create a better future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
You have addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with logical examples, such as the mention of online courses and financial constraints. To reach a higher band, you could aim to develop your arguments with slightly more depth or nuance. For instance, when discussing the benefits of accepting a situation, you could explore the psychological impact of resilience versus the potential for stagnation. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Similarly,' and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow between sentences is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words. This demonstrates a good level of control over the structure of the essay.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases like 'unnecessary worry,' 'realistic opportunity,' and 'financial problems' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as collocations or idiomatic expressions that fit the academic context. For example, instead of 'try to change,' you could use 'proactively seek to rectify' or 'strive to ameliorate.' There are no spelling errors, and your word choice is consistently appropriate for the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, which makes the text very readable. You demonstrate good control over punctuation and verb tenses. To improve, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences (e.g., 'Had they chosen to remain passive, they might have missed out on...') or passive voice constructions to vary the tone. However, the current level of accuracy is high, and the minor errors are rare and do not impede communication in any way.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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