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 come across a bad situation, such as an 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 should 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 bad 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 switches to a satisfied job, they may work more effectively and may increase the productivity of their work, which in turn increases the chances 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 addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views (accepting a bad situation versus trying to improve it) and presenting a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations, such as the discussion around stress levels, employment security, and family needs. However, the development of ideas tends to rely on somewhat repetitive phrasing and overlaps in argumentation, particularly when discussing stress and work-life balance. The position is maintained throughout, fitting the criteria for a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0. Given the depth of exploration, the performance aligns well with Band 7 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a summary conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. Cohesive devices are employed to signal transitions between paragraphs, using phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, some cohesive referencing and transition choices feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent reliance on 'This is because' and 'Furthermore'. Progression is generally clear throughout the text, warranting a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0 score based on overall logical structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-related terms like 'unsatisfactory job', 'unemployed', 'poverty', and 'emergency situation'. There are attempts to use less common items, though some word choices and collocations are slightly unnatural or awkward, such as 'switch their jobs' instead of 'change careers' or 'switch jobs', and 'a satisfied job' instead of 'a satisfying job'. Spelling is generally accurate, and occasional vocabulary errors do not impede communication. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 6.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including conditional structures ('If a person is dissatisfied...', 'If an individual earns more...'). There is a good variety of complex structures attempted throughout the essay. However, there are noticeable grammatical errors and awkward phrasing in places, such as 'prevent them from increasing the stress levels' instead of 'increasing stress levels', and 'They may unable to enjoy' where the verb 'be' is missing. Despite these recurring errors, they rarely impede communication, placing the grammatical control securely in the Band 6.0 category.
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