Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-16

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 6.5)

People have different views about how they should respond when they face an unsatisfactory situation, such as an unpleasant job or financial difficulties. While some believe that accepting circumstances is the most sensible approach, others feel that taking action to improve them is preferable. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why i support the latter veiw.

On the one hand, accepting an unfavourable situation can sometimes be a practical choice. Certain problems are beyond an individual's immediate control, and constantly worrying about them may create unnecesary stress. For instance, a person who has limited income because of weak job market may have few opportunities to change their financial position in short term. In such cases, making peace with reality can help them remain emotionally stable and focus on managing what they already have. Futhermore, accepting temporary difficulties can prevent people from making implusive decisions.

One the other hand, actively seeking improvement can lead to meaningful and lasting change. Instead of simply tolerating an undesirable circumstance, individuals can identify its causes and take practical steps towards a better future. Someone dissatisfied with their occupatin, for example, could develop new skills, obtain additional qualifications or apply for positions that offer greater satisfaction. Likewise, those experiencing financial hardship might learn about budgeting, seek additional work or acquire skills that increase their earning potential. Although these measures require effort and patience, they can gradually create opportunities that would not arise through passive acceptance.

In my view, acceptance is useful when circumstances cannot be changed immediately, but it should not become a reason for remaining in an undesirable position indefinitely. People should acknowledge their present reality while simultaneously working towards a better one whenever feasible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on accepting versus improving a bad situation and providing a clear, well-developed personal position. In the introduction, the writer outlines the essay scope and states their stance. Body paragraph one explores the pragmatic reasons for acceptance, such as emotional stability and avoiding impulsive decisions during times of crisis. Body paragraph two effectively contrasts this by arguing for active improvement, supporting the points with relevant examples regarding job dissatisfaction and financial hardship. The conclusion successfully synthesises the arguments and bridges the two perspectives by suggesting that acceptance should only be temporary. Ideas are well-supported, extended, and logically consistent throughout the essay, meeting the criteria for a strong Band 7.5 or Band 8 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, beginning with a standard introductory frame and moving smoothly into balanced body paragraphs introduced by cohesive markers such as 'On the one hand' and 'One the other hand' (note the minor typo in the latter). Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments, though occasional minor mechanical errors occur, such as a missing letter in referencing. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the contrasting viewpoints and the conclusion, ensuring an overall coherent arrangement that aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'unfavourable situation', 'immediate control', 'emotional stability', and 'earning potential'. There is an awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'passsive acceptance' and 'financial hardship'. However, there are a few spelling and typographical errors, such as 'i' instead of 'I', 'unnecesary', 'Futhermore', 'implusive', and 'occupatin', along with minor missing articles ('in short term'). These infrequent errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the Band 6.5 to Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer displays a good command of grammatical structures, successfully integrating a mix of simple and complex sentences. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses, such as 'Although these measures require effort and patience, they can gradually create opportunities...' and 'Instead of simply tolerating an undesirable circumstance, individuals can identify its causes...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, though there are occasional slip-ups regarding missing articles (e.g., 'in short term') and minor typographical errors. Punctuation is generally accurate, and control over complex sentence forms warrants a solid Band 7 score.

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