Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-25

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)

Accepting a bad situation is the best way to cope with a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or a lack of funds, according to some people. However, others think that improving one's life is the best way to move forward. Accepting a bad situation can save a person from the psychological stress associated with worrying about improving such a situation. However, improving one's life and living standard is also something one should strive for. I strongly believe that improving one's life is the best way forward towards a better and more fulfilling life.

On the one hand, some people believe that resigning oneself to unfavorable circumstances and accepting a bad job, or coping with a lack of funds and budgeting correctly, is the best way to continue one's life without any problems. Resigning oneself to circumstances that are less than ideal can be a good way to avoid mental burdens and reduce the levels of stress that a person is experiencing. For instance, a person going through a nationwide recession should budget strictly and avoid spending money on unnecessary things rather than taking risks and venturing into lucrative-sounding opportunities that might put their financial stability in jeopardy.

On the other hand, being stuck in a stagnant job without any future prospects can be extremely frustrating and debilitating. Humanity progresses through dissatisfaction, and complacency can lead to mental burnout, which can slowly and gradually lessen an individual's self-respect and self-worth. Therefore, improving such unfavorable and worsening situations should be a top priority in the majority of cases, as staying on a sinking ship is a fool's endeavor. For instance, a person stuck in a job where a boss is constantly nagging at them and the workplace has a toxic environment would be extremely frustrated. Over time, this can lead to hypertension and other cardiovascular issues. Hence, a stagnant job and a lack of financial resources can be a plight that needs to be alleviated.

In conclusion, while accepting a bad job can allow a person to escape immediate stress and psychological burdens, I strongly believe that improving one's situation and striving for a better life through hard work, commitment, perseverance, motivation, and discipline is the ideal way to progress positively in society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt well. Both views—accepting a bad situation and trying to improve it—are discussed, and the writer provides a clear personal opinion throughout the response. The introduction clearly outlines both sides, and the body paragraphs develop each perspective with relevant, logical examples, such as budgeting during a recession for acceptance and leaving a toxic workplace for improvement. The ideas are extended appropriately, meeting the criteria for Band 7.0 well, showing clear task completion without any under-development of core concepts.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with distinct introduction, body, and concluding paragraphs that separate the two differing views effectively. Cohesive devices are used flexibly to connect ideas, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is generally clear, though occasionally transitional phrases feel slightly formulaic. Overall, the flow of ideas is coherent and guides the reader smoothly from the introduction through the arguments to the final stance, comfortably earning a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, such as 'unfavorable circumstances', 'financial stability in jeopardy', and 'cardiovascular issues'. There is an awareness of style and collocation, using less common items like 'complacency', 'debilitating', and 'alleviated'. While there are a few minor instances of repetitive phrasing or slightly awkward collocations such as 'continue one's life', the lexical range is more than adequate for the task. The errors do not impede communication, matching the descriptors for Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, including conditional-like clauses and participial phrases such as 'Humanity progresses through dissatisfaction, and complacency can lead to mental burnout'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well throughout the text. While minor grammatical imperfections occur occasionally, such as 'a plight that needs to be alleviated', the overall control of grammar is strong, and communication is never impeded. This performance aligns closely with Band 7.0 descriptors for grammatical range and accuracy.

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