Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-22
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 5.5)
Some people believe that in a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or shortage of money, it is better to accept them. While others argue that it is better to try and improve such situations. In my opinion, I partially agree with both views, and I will discuss both situations in detail.
Those who believe it is better to accept a bad situation, I agree with their perspective because it helps maintain mental peace and reduces stress. For instance, if we are thinking about a shortage of money and suddenly we develop mental health problems and anxiety, then we will have to go to the doctor for a check up, and we end up spending more money on our health. Another reason is that some situations are really out of our control many people face job issues when there is a shortage of jobs in their country, and then they keep fighting a pointless battle over it. For example, in Pakistan, many people are jobless due to a shortage of companies and a weak economy, so people often look for jobs in foreign countries.
On the other hand, many people believe it is better to try and improve such situations, arguing that doing so leads to personal growth and progress. For example, when facing a shortage of money, we can do extra work such as online selling or freelancing, which can be done from home and can increase our financial income.
In conclusion, I think that if we are really in a bad situation, such as a shortage of money, then we should explore other options, such as starting a business or using other platforms, if our job income is not enough, in order to become financially strong.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response 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. The student's position is stated in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are generally supported with examples, such as mentioning economic struggles in Pakistan and suggesting freelancing or online selling. However, some arguments lack deeper extension, and the conclusion slightly shifts focus by introducing new ideas like starting a business rather than fully summarising the preceding arguments. Overall, the task is adequately addressed, fitting the Band 6 descriptors where all parts are covered, though some aspects could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph structure separating the introduction, the two body paragraphs discussing opposing views, and a conclusion. Logical organisation is generally maintained, and basic cohesive devices are used, such as 'On the other hand' and 'For instance'. However, some cohesive devices feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, and referencing in sentences like 'it is better to accept them' lacks a precise antecedent since 'them' refers back to 'a bad situation'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but transitions between ideas can be abrupt at times. This corresponds to the Band 6 descriptor where information and ideas are coherently arranged, but cohesion is sometimes faulty or mechanical.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully communicating meaning around the topics of financial hardship and career challenges. Words and phrases such as 'unsatisfactory job', 'mental health problems', 'pointless battle', and 'financial income' demonstrate a sufficient working lexicon. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, but word choices occasionally lack precision or natural collocation, such as 'developing mental health problems' or 'increasing financial income' (redundant). Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, meaning communication is never impeded. These features align well with the Band 6 criteria.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordination and conditional structures, such as 'if we are thinking about a shortage of money... then we will have to go...'. There are several grammatical errors and punctuation lapses, particularly run-on sentences and comma splices in the body paragraphs, such as 'Another reason is that some situations are really out of our control many people face job issues...'. Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear and they rarely impede communication. The control over grammar is consistent with Band 6, where a mix of structures is used alongside errors that do not disrupt the overall flow.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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