Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-17

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)

Nowadays, a number of individuals think that it is best to adopt a bad situation, like an unsatisfactory job or shortage of wealth, whereas others disagreeb and believe that it is better to improve such situations. I agree with the former viewpoint.

To begin with, accepting bad situation can improve people's tolerance levels. When someone face problems, such as shortage of money or unemployment problem, they realize that the actual value of wealth. At that time individuals will be struggling to bear their families cost, which will have been making them a perfect citizens in their latter life. For instance, when someone adopted themselves at bad circumstances, they will learn several things because pain is the greatest life teacher. I completely agree with this argument, because nobody can not get anything without effort.

On the other hand, improving bad situations is also better solution. If everyone can overcome their bad situation, they will be able to overcome falling at any stressful situations. Sometimes people are affected by mental trauma, if they will unabable to come from their bad situations. For instance, in recent research at MIT showed that arount 30 percent of students are passing their lives with serious levels of anxiety due to the personal problems at their lives. However, I disagree with the argument above because evryone can reduce their stress levels, if they will fully focused their goals.

In conclusion, it can be stated that although accepting bad situation can increase individuals tolerance levels, while others think that trying to improve bad situations will decrease evryones stress levels.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and state a position in the introduction: “I agree with the former viewpoint.” The discussion of acceptance includes a relevant idea about developing tolerance, while the second body paragraph considers the possible mental-health effects of failing to improve difficult circumstances. However, the position becomes unclear: you initially support acceptance, then say “I completely agree” with that view, but later argue that people can reduce stress by focusing on goals. The conclusion summarises both sides without clearly restating your own judgement. Several points also need fuller explanation—for example, how hardship makes people “perfect citizens” is asserted rather than demonstrated. Make your opinion consistent and support each main claim with a clear explanation or example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposts such as “To begin with,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” help readers identify the stages of the discussion. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes difficult to follow because ideas are linked mechanically or the relationship between them is unclear. For example, the move from financial hardship to becoming “perfect citizens” needs an explicit explanation. The second body paragraph also shifts from improving circumstances to anxiety and then to focusing on goals without clearly connecting these points. The conclusion’s “although … while” construction makes the contrast confusing. Use clearer links between claims and evidence, and ensure each paragraph develops one central line of reasoning.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some topic-relevant vocabulary, including “unsatisfactory job,” “shortage of money,” “tolerance levels,” and “mental trauma,” and you attempt more formal expressions such as “viewpoint.” However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, which sometimes makes the meaning less clear. Examples include “adopt a bad situation,” “shortage of wealth,” “families cost,” and “passing their lives with serious levels of anxiety.” Spelling errors such as “unabable,” “arount,” and “evryone” also reduce accuracy. Aim for natural, precise combinations rather than translating ideas word by word; for instance, use “accept a difficult situation,” “household expenses,” and “experience severe anxiety.” Proofreading for spelling would further improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including conditional forms and clauses introduced by “when,” “if,” and “because.” However, complex structures are often faulty, and errors in agreement, verb forms, articles, and sentence construction occur frequently enough to make some sentences difficult to interpret. For example, “When someone face problems” needs subject–verb agreement, while “if they will unabable to come” has an incorrect conditional structure and an incomplete verb phrase. “I completely agree … because nobody can not get anything” also contains a confusing negative construction. Practise forming accurate conditionals and checking each sentence for a clear subject and correctly formed verb. Shorter, controlled sentences can help you express your ideas more reliably while you build range.

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