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)

n today's modern world, many people undergo the worst situations because of various factors including unsatisfactory jobs, family issues and poverty. Some people believe that it is better to accept these circumstances and move on while others argue that it is preferable to strive to improve such situations. This essay will discuss both points of view and in the end I will present my own perspective.

On the one hand, the proponents of accepting bad situations claim that it can help people avoid unnecessary stress. They believe that accepting the reality makes them emotionally stable and mentally strong, and gives them the power to fight with these circumstances. For instance, an employee earning a low salary may struggle to meet his daily expenses and live hand to mouth. If he quits his job without another offer just to seek better position, he risks complete financial instability. Therefore, accepting his current unsatisfactory job ensures a steady income for basic survival.

On the other hand, others advocate that attempting to improve one's situation is necessary for progress. This is because making an effort brings more positive change and better results. It can help people find more practical solutions for their problems. For example, if people are unhappy with their jobs, they can learn new skills, gain more experience, or search for better employment opportunities instead of accepting the situation. This can help them improve their careers and achieve better working conditions.

In my opinion, although some situations can be difficult, people should try to improve their weaknesses to make their circumstances better, rather than accepting the situation

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—accepting difficult situations versus attempting to improve them—and providing a clear personal opinion in the conclusion. The introduction outlines the plan effectively, and the body paragraphs present relevant, well-developed ideas. For instance, the discussion on the low-earning employee provides a concrete example of why someone might choose to accept a bad job to ensure financial stability. Similarly, the counterargument explores practical ways to enhance career prospects through skill development. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting the Band 7 requirements well.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs representing both viewpoints, and concluding with a clear personal stance. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'For instance', and 'Therefore' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed effectively, creating a cohesive framework that ensures the flow of ideas is easy to follow, aligning closely with Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, such as 'financial instability', 'employment opportunities', and 'emotionally stable'. There are occasional attempts at less common items, and meaning is conveyed clearly throughout. However, minor collocation or phrasing choices—such as 'fight with these circumstances' instead of 'fight against these circumstances'—prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate and do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional sentences ('If he quits his job... he risks complete financial instability') and relative clauses. There are frequent error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are controlled reasonably well. While a minor omission occurs in the opening sentence ('n today's modern world'), the overall grammatical accuracy is strong, and errors are rare and non-systematic, which fully satisfies the Band 7 criteria.

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