Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

People have different views about their choices in life. Some individuals believe that they should accept the worst conditions of their lives, whilst others hold the opposite opinion that they should be ambitious and try their best to improve their circumstances. I agree with those who try hard to change their situations.

Firstly, to move on, it is often argued that a person should accept their current situation. This helps them avoid many mental issues like depression. For instance, many graduates in Pakistan have to take ordinary jobs and accept the reality that, due to fewer job opportunities, they must do work unrelated to their field. Accepting this helps them overcome anxiety and a sense of inferiority. Another worth mentioning point is that people who accept reality can do their jobs with happiness, which is a major key to success.

However, I would argue that it is essential for a person to learn different skills to improve their current conditions. For example, many teenagers nowadays try to learn skills early in life, which helps them excel more in their careers. In particular, people should not just accept a bad condition but should make plans to achieve more in life. A successful man is someone who not only dreams but also utilizes his time and efforts to achieve those dreams. For example, the famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was not always as famous as he is today; his journey teaches us the important lesson that a person should work hard until they achieve their goals.

To sum up, although some believe that it is best to accept their current circumstances, such as not getting their dream job, I believe that if a person invests their time and effort, they will one day be able to achieve their goals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—accepting a bad situation to avoid stress and striving to improve circumstances through skill-building—while clearly stating a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as graduates in Pakistan accepting ordinary jobs and the example of Cristiano Ronaldo. Although some arguments could be explored in greater depth, the response meets the criteria for Band 7, as all parts of the prompt are addressed with a clear overall position and relevant supporting evidence.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, starting with an introduction, moving to the first view, then the counter-view containing the writer's opinion, and finishing with a summary conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well, such as 'Firstly', 'However', and 'To sum up', although referencing and transitions occasionally feel slightly mechanical (e.g., 'Another worth mentioning point is that'). Overall, the cohesion supports the flow of the text well, fitting the Band 7 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and generally sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. There are attempts to use less common and topic-specific vocabulary such as 'circumstances', 'inferiority', 'utilizes', and 'ambitious'. However, there are minor awkwardness issues in word choice or collocation, such as 'worst conditions' instead of 'worst conditions' or 'bad situations', and 'worth mentioning point' instead of 'noteworthy point'. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, the vocabulary is varied enough to allow flexible expression, and meaning is never impeded. This aligns comfortably with a Band 6.5 or 7.0, with Band 6.5 rounded to 6.5 or solid 6.0 given minor slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures effectively (e.g., 'I believe that if a person invests their time and effort, they will one day be able to achieve their goals'). There are some minor grammatical inaccuracies and slightly awkward phrasings, such as 'Another worth mentioning point is that people who accept reality can do their jobs with happiness' rather than 'happily'. However, punctuation is generally sound, and the errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar is consistent with a Band 6.5 descriptor.

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