Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Some people believe that it is better to accept difficult situations, such as having an unsatisfactory job or experiencing financial problems. Others believe that people should try to improve these situations. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that making an effort to improve one's circumstances is generally the better approach.

On the one hand, accepting a difficult situation can sometimes be the most practical choice. Life does not always go according to plan, and some problems are beyond a person's control. For example, during an economic crisis, finding a better job may be extremely difficult. In such circumstances, accepting the current situation can reduce stress and help people focus on the things they can control. Moreover, people who already have a job, even if it is not ideal, may prefer to keep it because it provides a stable income for their basic needs.

On the other hand, there are several reasons why people should try to improve their circumstances. Firstly, accepting an unsatisfactory situation for a long time can prevent personal and professional growth. For instance, an employee who is unhappy with their job could learn new skills, gain qualifications, or apply for better positions. Similarly, someone facing financial difficulties could develop new skills or start a small business to increase their income. Taking such steps can improve both their financial condition and their confidence. Therefore, instead of simply accepting problems, people should look for realistic ways to overcome them.

In my opinion, although acceptance is sometimes necessary when circumstances cannot be changed immediately, people should not remain passive. They should make reasonable efforts to improve their lives while accepting temporary difficulties. This balanced approach can help people deal with present problems while working towards a better future.

In conclusion, accepting difficult situations can provide stability and reduce stress, particularly when problems are outside a person's control. However, I believe that trying to improve one's circumstances is more beneficial because it can lead to better opportunities and a more satisfying life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both views—the merits of acceptance for stability and the benefits of proactive improvement—and clearly stated your own position in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of economic crises and the specific steps one can take to improve professional prospects. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the balanced perspective in the final body paragraph adds depth to the argument. You have successfully met the requirements of the prompt by providing a clear, logical, and well-supported discussion.

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 appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Moreover,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different viewpoints. The flow of information is natural, and the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning from the introduction to the final summary. The cohesive devices are used flexibly and do not feel mechanical, contributing to a coherent and well-structured piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'beyond a person's control,' 'personal and professional growth,' and 'remain passive' are used accurately and effectively. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. The word choice is consistently accurate, and there are no spelling errors. The language used is natural and conveys your meaning clearly without any ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although acceptance is sometimes necessary,' 'even if it is not ideal'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To move to a higher band, you could aim for even greater complexity in your sentence construction and ensure that every sentence is perfectly polished, though your current level of accuracy is already quite high and demonstrates a solid command of English grammar.

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

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