Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-24

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)

Few individuals accept a bad situation thinking it is the best way to deal with such unsatisfactory circumstances however, other argue that one should never compromise on such situation rather should try and solve it. In my opinion, having such situation is normal as part of life but not dealing with it properly shows how are you as an individual. We will discuss both the views in the following paragraph.

To begin with, when thing goes left and right many individuals get confused and tend to avoid such situation in order to save time and energy. Which feels somewhat correct as they can focus on better things rather than getting woked up. For instance, one get extremely involved in solving such situation which lead to avoid other important issues. Similarly, it takes a toll over one's emotional self. People get self destructive when things doesn't get done according to them.

However, solving such issues and moving forward can make life easier. When one person Focus on solving such situation it can lead to better outcomes. For example, if any company is under paying it's employee then employee should take a stand and switch company and accept better payment as per his skill and market values which shows betterment. Additionally, one can get mental stability by doing so, as it is difficult to completely forget about a problem and it definitely bother one individual whenever he or she tends to be unoccupied. Moreover, these kind of situation facilitate certain calibre in one individual. People tends to obtain life lessons through these situations, which support these individuals later on life when similar situation arise in future. For instance, when an individual go through certain problem, then solve it and has a solution for the same can help his own self along with others at time.

To conclude, life is sometimes difficult and one should always try to make it better. In my opinion, solving such situation improves many qualities of an individual and shows major upliftment in one's life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both perspectives and give a clear preference for improving difficult circumstances, especially in the conclusion: “one should always try to make it better.” The discussion is relevant, and the example of an underpaid employee changing companies helps illustrate the second view. However, the first view is explained mainly through avoiding stress and saving time, without clarifying when acceptance might be sensible or how it differs from giving up. Some supporting points are also broad: claims about gaining “mental stability” and life lessons would be stronger with more precise explanation. Develop each side more evenly and make your position explicit in the introduction as well as the conclusion to strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Sequencing expressions such as “To begin with,” “However,” and “To conclude” help readers follow the overall direction. Within paragraphs, though, connections are sometimes mechanical or unclear. For example, “Which feels somewhat correct” is a sentence fragment whose link to the previous idea is not fully expressed, while several points in the second body paragraph are added with “Additionally” and “Moreover” without being clearly prioritised. References such as “such situation” and “these individuals” can also be vague. Use complete linking sentences and organise each paragraph around one main claim followed by explanation and an example.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of topic-related vocabulary, including “unsatisfactory circumstances,” “emotional,” “mental stability,” and “life lessons.” These choices help communicate the main ideas, and some less common expressions are attempted. However, inaccurate word choice and collocation sometimes make the writing sound unnatural, as in “when thing goes left and right,” “getting woked up,” and “shows major upliftment.” Repetition of “such situation” and “individual” also limits flexibility. Aim for more precise, natural phrases and check spelling and word forms. For example, “when things go wrong” and “take a stand” are clearer than the less idiomatic expressions used here.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including conditional and subordinate structures, such as “if any company is under paying…” and “as it is difficult to completely forget about a problem.” Meaning is generally recoverable, but errors in agreement, verb forms, articles, and sentence boundaries occur across the response. Examples include “other argue,” “one get,” “things doesn't get done,” and “People tends.” The opening sentence also runs several clauses together, and “Which feels somewhat correct” is an incomplete sentence. Practise checking subject–verb agreement and making sure each sentence has a complete main clause. Breaking long sentences into clearer units would improve accuracy and readability.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.