Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-12

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 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. People often face difficult circumstances in life, including low-paying jobs, financial hardship, or unsatisfactory working conditions. While some argue that accepting such situations is the most practical approach, others believe that individuals should make efforts to improve their circumstances. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I support the latter view. On the one hand, accepting an unfavorable situation can sometimes be a sensible decision. In many cases, people have limited opportunities and resources, making change difficult or risky. For example, a person who is struggling financially may choose to remain in a stable job rather than risk unemployment while searching for a better position. Similarly, in regions with high unemployment rates, workers may have little choice but to accept jobs that do not match their skills or expectations. Furthermore, constantly pursuing change can lead to stress, frustration, and dissatisfaction, whereas acceptance may help individuals maintain peace of mind and focus on other aspects of life. On the other hand, many people believe that actively improving one's situation is essential for personal growth and long-term success. Individuals who take initiative often acquire new skills, pursue further education, or seek better employment opportunities. As a result, they are more likely to achieve higher incomes and improved living standards. For instance, many successful entrepreneurs and professionals began their careers in modest positions but advanced through determination and continuous self-improvement. Moreover, attempting to overcome difficulties can strengthen resilience, confidence, and problem-solving abilities, all of which are valuable qualities in both personal and professional life. In my opinion, while accepting certain temporary difficulties may be necessary, people should generally strive to improve their circumstances whenever possible. Progress and development rarely occur without effort, and those who actively seek solutions are more likely to achieve their goals and enjoy a better quality of life. In conclusion, although accepting difficult situations may provide stability and reduce stress in some cases, making efforts to improve them offers greater opportunities for success and personal development. Therefore, I believe that people should take proactive steps to enhance their situations rather than simply accept them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task prompt, discussing both the perspective of accepting a bad situation and the view that one should attempt to improve it, while also clearly stating their own opinion throughout the essay. The introduction acknowledges both views, body paragraphs explore each side in detail with relevant examples such as stable jobs versus entrepreneurial growth, and the conclusion succinctly restates the writer's stance. Ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning, fitting the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced with appropriate paragraphing, where each paragraph has a clear central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Referencing is clear, and the overall progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion is smooth and well-managed, aligning well with Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items such as 'unfavorable situation', 'financial hardship', 'continuous self-improvement', and 'proactive steps' are used with good awareness of collocation and style. Word choices are precise, and while the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated throughout, it is accurate and allows the student to convey complex ideas clearly, corresponding to a Band 7 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay contains a wide variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional-like clauses, participial phrases ('making change difficult or risky'), and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is strong throughout. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and items in a list. The minor errors present are extremely rare and do not impede communication at all, fully satisfying the requirements for a Band 8 score.

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