Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-21

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 agree that it is best option to accept a terrible situation, such as money shortage or job with less satisfaction , while others oppose this. In my opinion it is better to try and solve those problems and improving the situation.

Proponents of acceptance argue that constantly resisting reality creates unnecessary stress. During the 2008 global financial crisis, many professionals who maintained their lower-paying jobs rather than chasing risky opportunities eventually regained stability as markets recovered. This demonstrates how patience during turbulent periods can prevent hasty decisions. Additionally, in situations where systemic barriers exist - such as gender-based pay gaps in certain industries - temporary acceptance might conserve energy for strategic, long-term advocacy rather than futile short-term battles.

Conversely, the improvement camp emphasizes human agency in shaping outcomes. Consider the story of a Kenyan farmer who transformed arid land into productive soil through drip irrigation techniques. This proactive approach not only solved immediate food shortages but created sustainable income. Similarly, employees developing digital skills during pandemic-induced job losses exemplify how targeted efforts can turn crises into growth opportunities. History shows that transformative innovations - from vaccine development to renewable energy solutions - emerged from refusing to accept environmental or health challenges as permanent.

In my view, a balanced perspective proves most practical. Acceptance becomes valuable when circumstances are genuinely beyond control, serving as emotional armor against frustration. However, it should never become an excuse for complacency in alterable situations. The key lies in discerning between temporary constraints requiring patience and systemic issues demanding action. For instance, tolerating temporary overtime during a project deadline differs fundamentally from enduring chronic workplace exploitation. Wisdom lies in strategically choosing battles while cultivating resilience through manageable improvements, thereby maintaining both mental well-being and progressive momentum.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task fully, discussing both the view of accepting bad situations and the view of trying to improve them, while clearly stating a personal position in the introduction and concluding paragraph. The ideas are well-developed and extended with relevant, real-world examples, such as the 2008 global financial crisis and the Kenyan farmer. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the prompt by distinguishing between alterable and unalterable circumstances. The response meets all the requirements of Band 7 and touches upon Band 8 descriptors due to the depth and thoughtful extension of ideas. However, there is a minor grammatical slip in the opening sentence ('it is best option'), but in terms of task fulfillment, the arguments are robust and fully realized.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with the introduction and thesis, moving through the two opposing views in separate body paragraphs, and concluding with a well-balanced synthesis. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'Conversely', 'Additionally', and 'For instance', without feeling mechanical or overused. Paragraphing is managed appropriately to divide the arguments logically. Referencing is generally clear and easy to follow. The flow from one point to the next guides the reader smoothly through the writer's line of reasoning, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 to 8 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and often flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common lexical items and phrases are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'systemic barriers', 'human agency', 'proactive approach', and 'chronic workplace exploitation'. While there is a minor missing article in the first sentence ('job with less satisfaction' instead of 'a job'), the overall lexical control is strong. Word choice is generally precise, and the student successfully avoids repetitive phrasing by employing varied synonyms for challenges, problem-solving, and acceptance. This performance comfortably aligns with Band 7 standards.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer utilizes a wide variety of complex sentence structures with good control, including participial phrases ('maintaining their lower-paying jobs rather than chasing risky opportunities') and conditional or concessive clauses. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well throughout. Minor slips occur, such as the missing article in the opening line ('it is best option' should be 'the best option') and a slight parallelism slip in the first paragraph ('to try and solve those problems and improving'), but these errors do not impede communication and are non-systemic. The grammatical control is solid, securing a strong Band 7 score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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