Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-27
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 individuals assume that it is best to accept an unpleasant situation, such as an unsatisfactory job or less income . But on the other hand, some persons consider that it is better to endeavour and ameliorate the situation.
On the one hand, some people argue that accepting a difficult situation is beneficial because a lot of job market is highly competitive and finding a new job is not convenient. A person who keeps trying to change their situation may face constant difficulties and stress . The substantial reason is family responsibility and meet the financial expenses regularly .
On the other hand , other people believe that it is better to try and improve the situation because a person continues to work hard and does not give up is more likely to find good opportunities in life .Sometimes success does not come in life quickly , but continues effort can help people improve their skills and reach their goal . Therefore patience , determination and hard work are essential for creating a better future.
In my opinion is that it is better to try and improve such situation . Although accepting a difficult situation might bring temporary peace of mind . I firmly believe that trying to improve circumstances is the better approach. This is because continues efforts not only leads to personal growth but also opens up new opportunities for a better future . Therefore, while both perspectives have merit, efforts and determination are ultimately more valuable in the long run.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt. The student discusses both views regarding whether to accept or improve difficult situations, such as unsatisfactory jobs or financial shortages, and clearly states their own opinion in the conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported, such as when discussing the competitiveness of the job market and the importance of personal growth and determination. The position remains clear throughout the essay. However, some ideas, such as the reasons for accepting a difficult situation, could have been developed with slightly more specific examples to reach a higher band. Overall, the task is well handled and the requirements are met thoroughly.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each perspective, and a concluding paragraph that reiterates the writer's stance. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore' are employed to guide the reader through the text, although some referencing is slightly mechanical and punctuation around cohesive markers occasionally lacks precision, such as unnecessary spaces before commas. Progression is generally clear throughout, ensuring the overall arrangement remains coherent.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'endeavour', 'ameliorate', and 'determination'. However, there are notable lexical and collocational inaccuracies, such as 'meet the financial expenses' instead of 'meet financial obligations' or 'cover expenses', and repetitive use of simple phrases like 'bad situation' and 'improve the situation'. Word formation and spelling are mostly accurate, but lexical choices occasionally lack precision. These errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the band 6 category.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'A person who keeps trying to change their situation may face constant difficulties and stress.' There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including 'In my opinion is that it is better...', 'continues effort', and 'continues efforts'. Punctuation errors are also present, such as unnecessary spaces before periods and commas. While complex structures are attempted, they are sometimes faulty, and errors in grammar do cause minor interruptions for the reader. Nevertheless, the meaning remains clear throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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