Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-06

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 7.0)

While some people argue that it is better to accept a negative situation, such as an unsatistactory job or poverty, others argue otherwise, with the view that it is better to try to alleviate the circumstances. I am of the view that it is better to try and improve such situations.

On the one hand, some people believe that if one embraces a negative situation, they will be less likely to be stressed about it. The more they see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty, the more likely they are to be grateful that the glass is not completely empty. To them optimism makes for less suffering. Positivity is a panacea for their lack. They gladly embrace the philosophy of 'half a loaf is better than none'.

On the other hand, some people believe it is better to try and relieve a bad situation instead of just accepting it. They are ardent believers of the adage 'better to die on one's feet, than live on one's knees', so they'd rather die trying to improve. In the words of some famous african hunters, a poor young man must go out and hunt the elephant. If he kills the elephant, he is rich. If the elephant kills him, his problems end!

In my view, it is better to try and improve a negative situation cautiously, rather than passively accept it. Any action that improves the situation should be encouraged and indeed, tried. If an action does not exacerbate the bad situation, then it would only make sense to try it in order to alleviate the hitherto bad situation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on how to handle difficult situations and clearly stating an opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Note that 10 words copied directly from the task prompt were excluded from the official word count. However, the ideas are somewhat unevenly developed. While the second and third body paragraphs present interesting arguments regarding acceptance versus active improvement, some points tend to over-generalize or rely on anecdotal examples rather than sustained analytical depth. To reach the next level, the arguments require more extended explanation and specific real-world illustrations to fully substantiate the claims made about human psychology and personal agency.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, with a discernible introduction, two distinct body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a concluding stance. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my view' are used flexibly to guide the reader through the argumentation. Paragraphing is managed appropriately. To achieve an even higher score, referencing could be managed with greater subtlety to avoid occasionally mechanical transitions, ensuring the flow of ideas feels completely natural and seamless from sentence to sentence.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, attempting less common items such as 'alleviate', 'panacea', and 'exacerbate' with good awareness of style and collocation. There is one minor vocabulary slip in the opening sentence ('unsatistactory' instead of 'unsatisfactory'), but overall, word choice is appropriate and does not impede communication. To move further up the scale, the essay would benefit from a wider selection of sophisticated lexical chunks and idiomatic phrases used with complete accuracy and natural control, minimizing minor slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writing exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like conditional clauses and relative pronouns effectively ('if one embraces a negative situation, they will be less likely...'). There is a variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences, alongside a good level of control over punctuation. Minor grammar errors persist, such as pronoun agreement ('if one... they'), but these do not impede communication. To secure a higher band, the writer should aim for a greater proportion of error-free complex sentences and eliminate minor slips in agreement and article usage.

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