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 these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
Life presents challenges, and individuals respond to difficulties in different ways. Some believe that accepting unfavourable circumstances, such as an unrewarding job or financial hardship, is the best approach, while others argue that people should actively work to improve their situation. This essay will discuss both perspectives before arguing that while improvement is ideal, some situations are beyond people's controlbeyond control, and accepting them can lead to greater peace of mind.
On the one hand, some argue that people should always strive for self-improvement rather than resigning themselves to hardshipresigning to hardship. They believe that taking proactive steps can lead to a better quality of life. For instance, someone struggling financially can pursue additional qualifications or startexplore side businesses to increase their income. This approach not only improves material conditions but also fosters self-confidence and resilience.
On the other hand, those who advocate for accepting adverse circumstancesacceptance of bad conditions believe that certain circumstances cannot be changed, and struggling against them only leads to frustration. For exampleFirstly, some people face unavoidable limitations, such as economic downturns, instability in their industryindustry instability, or personal constraints. For instance, a worker in a declining industry may find it nearly impossible to switch careers because of their age or a lack of relevant skillsdue to age or lack of relevant skills. In such cases, acceptance helps individuals adapt and focus on making the best of their situation rather than dwelling on dissatisfaction. Moreover, constantly striving to change their circumstancesconstantly striving for change can cause emotional distress and burnout. Not everyone has the resources or opportunities to improve their circumstancescondition, and repeated failure may lead to anxiety and disappointment.
To conclude, while both perspectives hold merit, I believe that accepting unchangeable hardships and pursuing contentmentaccepting unchangeable hardships and focusing on happiness is the wiser approach. Some difficulties, such as chronic health issues or economic instability, are beyond an individual's control, and excessive striving may lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, finding contentment within one’s circumstances, practising gratitude, and focusing on emotional well-being can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The essay is strongest in its clear organisation and controlled language, with a consistent qualified view that acceptance is sensible when change is unrealistic. The main weakness is uneven development: the case for improvement receives only one brief example while acceptance receives several layers of support; expanding and critically weighing the first view before reaffirming the limits of change would produce a more fully balanced discussion.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views and a clear qualified opinion are addressed, but the case for active improvement is less fully developed than acceptance.
Add another developed reason or example for active improvement, then weigh it explicitly against situations that genuinely cannot be changed.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response progresses clearly from framing to opposing views and a conclusion, with cohesive devices used naturally.
Link the concluding preference more explicitly to the contrast established across the two body paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Flexible, precise vocabulary conveys abstract ideas effectively, with only occasional awkward choices such as ‘resigning to hardship’.
Use fully idiomatic verb-preposition patterns when describing adaptation, resignation, and efforts to change.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex sentences are handled with strong control, and errors are rare and non-impeding.
Maintain this accuracy while making occasional clause-heavy sentences more concise.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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 these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.