Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-15
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)
It is common for people to face difficult circumstances in their personal and professional lives, such as having an unsatisfactory job or experiencing financial difficulties. While some people believe that accepting such situations is the best approach, others think that individuals should make efforts to improve their circumstances. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that trying to improve a difficult situation is generally more beneficial.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people prefer to accept an unpleasant situation. Firstly, acceptance can help people avoid unnecessary stress and disappointment. When individuals understand that some circumstances are beyond their control, they may feel more peaceful and focus on the positive aspects of their lives. Secondly, changing a difficult situation is not always possible. For example, a person with limited qualifications may have difficulty finding a better job, especially when there are few employment opportunities available. In such cases, accepting the current situation while making the best use of available resources can be a practical choice. Furthermore, constantly worrying about financial problems may negatively affect a person's mental well-being, whereas accepting reality can help them cope with their circumstances.
On the other hand, I believe that people should try to improve their situations whenever this is realistically possible. Taking action can provide individuals with better opportunities and improve their quality of life. For instance, someone who is unhappy with their job can learn new skills, gain additional qualifications or search for alternative employment. Similarly, a person experiencing financial difficulties can develop new skills or find an additional source of income. Although these changes may require considerable effort and time, they can lead to greater financial stability and personal satisfaction. Therefore, instead of simply accepting an unsatisfactory situation, people should identify practical ways to overcome their difficulties.
In conclusion, although accepting difficult circumstances can reduce stress and may sometimes be necessary, I believe that trying to improve one's situation is a better approach when change is possible. Taking practical steps can help people achieve greater satisfaction, stability and better opportunities in the future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that of accepting a bad situation and that of trying to improve it—while clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction, body, and conclusion. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as exploring why individuals might accept financial stress or a low-qualifications job, contrasted with actionable steps to gain alternative employment or new skills. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting all criteria for a Band 7.5 or Band 8 response. The arguments flow logically from the prompt requirements, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a balanced introduction, moving through well-structured body paragraphs with clear markers like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', and finishing with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to sequence ideas within paragraphs. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the reader is guided smoothly through the writer's line of argument. Referencing is consistently clear, fulfilling the requirements for Band 8.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The writer uses a sufficient and generally natural range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay, including terms such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'financial difficulties', 'mental well-being', and 'financial stability'. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items ('beyond their control', 'practical choice', 'considerable effort'), which are mostly used with good awareness of collocation and style. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, with no noticeable errors. While it stops just short of the rich, flexible range characteristic of a Band 8, it comfortably exceeds the Band 6 descriptor, demonstrating solid control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay exhibits a strong variety of complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('While some people believe that...') and conditional constructions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and there is excellent control of punctuation and grammatical markers. For instance, the sentence 'Although these changes may require considerable effort and time, they can lead to greater financial stability and personal satisfaction' demonstrates complex phrasing executed accurately. Minor flaws are virtually absent, placing this response firmly in the Band 8 category for grammatical control.
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