Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
In today's world, many people came across a bad situation, such as unsatisfactory job or shortage of money. Some people believe that it is best to accept a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money, while others argue that it is better to try and improve such conditions. In my opinion, individuals should continuously try to improve a bad condition, but at the same time they consider the disadvantages of improving such conditions.
On the one hand, individuals should accept a bad situation like an unsatisfactory job because it may prevent them from increasing the stress levels. This is because an individual may become stressed when trying to switch their jobs. For example, if a person is dissatisfied with their job, they may try to switch it. If they do not get another job or become unemployed, they may undergo depression. As a result, accepting such a situation prevents an individual from undergoing depression. Additionally, accepting a bad condition helps a person to enjoy their present life. If an individual tries to improve a situation, they may become too busy with their work and may not enjoy their current life. They may unable to enjoy memorable events such as festivals, family functions, and so on, due to their busy schedules
On the other hand, critics argue that individuals should try to improve a bad condition because it may help them to secure a better life. If a person successfully switch to a satisfied job, they may work more effectively and may increase the productivity of their work, which in turn increases a chance of getting a promotion. This helps them to live a better and peaceful life. Furthermore, improving a situation like poverty helps a person to secure a better future for their family. If an individual earns more they may able to fulfill the needs of their family. Improving such a condition helps them during an emergency situation like paying hospital bills.
In conclusion, accepting a situation may prevent individuals from increasing the stress levels and helps them to enjoy their present life. However, improving a bad situation may allow a person to secure a better future and peaceful life. A balanced approach works best, where individuals should try to improve a bad condition, but they should also consider the drawbacks of it.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether to accept or improve a bad situation and provides a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant, and the arguments are supported with explanations, such as mentioning the stress of job-switching and the financial security of getting a promotion. However, some arguments tend to over-generalize or remain slightly under-developed, which aligns well with a Band 7 performance. For instance, the discussion on enjoying present life is somewhat repetitive. Overall, the prompt is thoroughly tackled with a consistent position maintained throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from a well-defined introduction to body paragraphs featuring standard signposting phrases such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', concluding appropriately. Cohesive devices are used adequately, though occasionally with minor mechanical phrasing like 'This is because'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the contrasting viewpoints. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression guides the reader smoothly from one idea to the next, meriting a solid Band 7 rating.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, incorporating topic-related items such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'shortage of money', 'unemployed', and 'productivity'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary like 'undergo depression' and 'emergency situation', though word choice is sometimes slightly unnatural, such as 'switch to a satisfied job' instead of 'satisfying job'. Minor word-choice and collocation errors occur, but they do not impede communication, allowing the response to comfortably secure a Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response utilizes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over conditional structures and subordinate clauses, as seen in sentences like 'If a person successfully switch to a satisfied job...'. There are, however, several grammatical inaccuracies and slips, such as 'many people came across' instead of 'come across', 'switch to a satisfied job' instead of 'switch to a satisfying job', and 'They may unable to enjoy' omitting the auxiliary verb 'be'. While these errors are noticeable, they rarely impede communication, reflecting the characteristics of a Band 6 grammar profile.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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