This is an IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer from IELTS Cambridge 14 and it is an interesting question.
It seems to me that it is really only possible to take one side with this one – that people should try to improve their situation.
But maybe you disagree!
Regardless, you have to write about both sides. Do one paragraph on one view and the other on the opposite view. Make sure that by the end (and in the introduction) you have chosen a side. Be crystal clear!
One tricky part of this question that you should notice is that the question itself includes two examples of unsatisfactory situations. You don’t have to focus on those examples in your answer though – I didn’t!
If you need some review on structures your can read about IELTS Task 2 Writing structure here.
Here are some other IELTS Task 2 Writing Sample Answers that I wrote!
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Dave
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer: Acceptance / Unsatisfactory (IELTS Cambridge 14) by Dave
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.
Many people find themselves in situations where they must either accept what life has given them or find a way to move up in the world. In my opinion, although accepting your situation in life may be pragmatic in some cases, it is still better to at least strive to improve your situation as it can usually be bettered to some degree.
On the one hand, the vast majority of people are unable to drastically change their situation and acceptance of this fact will make them feel more satisfied with their lives. The best example of this would be those people living in dire economic conditions. Recent research puts the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the poorest nations on Earth, both due to a lack of developed infrastructure and internal strife in recent years. For a person living in a small village, ravaged by war or famine, it would be cruel to suggest that they should find a way to improve their lives when it might simply be impossible. Instead, such people may feel they are better off accepting that they cannot make any changes to their situation at the present moment and just focus on their own survival and that of their family. These situations are rare but do exist around the world in various countries, particularly if they are at war or experiencing a severe economic downturn.
On the other hand, few would dispute the fact that in even the most difficult situations people can make their lives better through continued effort. Instances of people who worked hard and became successful abound in both developed and developing nations. Some relevant examples of this are the postwar situations of countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. All those countries were devastated by war to greater and lesser degrees yet they are all currently economic powerhouses. In Japan, World War 2 left their population depleted of workers, a deep national debt due to reparations and infrastructure reduced to rubble. By not accepting their situation they were able to become leaders in technology through notable companies like Sony, Nokia and Toyota. The efficacy of the individuals who had to work hard to improve their lives is reflected in the overall progress of the country and should serve as an example to all war-torn nations.
To conclude, there are very few situations where it would be advisable to simply accept an unhappy situation because hard work over a long period will pay off to some degree in the vast majority of cases. By having a more positive attitude it is also more likely that your efforts to make a better life will be rewarded, while a more defeatist attitude is likely to reduce your chances to make changes in life.
IELTS Examiner Sample Answer Analysis
1. Many people find themselves in situations where they must either accept what life has given them or find a way to move up in the world. 2. In my opinion, although accepting your situation in life may be pragmatic in some cases, it is still better to at least strive to improve your situation as it can usually be bettered to some degree.
1. The first sentence states the topic – write this sentence very quickly because it’s not that important.
2. Next is my opinion, be sure that this is clear and include it in both your introduction and conclusion.
1. On the one hand, the vast majority of people are unable to drastically change their situation and acceptance of this fact will make them feel more satisfied with their lives. 2. The best example of this would be those people living in dire economic conditions. 3. Recent research puts the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the poorest nations on Earth, both due to a lack of developed infrastructure and internal strife in recent years. 4. For a person living in a small village, ravaged by war or famine, it would be cruel to suggest that they should find a way to improve their lives when it might simply be impossible. 5. Instead, such people may feel they are better off accepting that they cannot make any changes to their situation at the present moment and just focus on their own survival and that of their family. 6. These situations are rare but do exist around the world in various countries, particularly if they are at war or experiencing a severe economic downturn.
1. My first sentence is the topic sentence and clearly states what the paragraph will be about – some people will feel more satisfied by accepting their situation.
2. The second sentence start my example by focusing on countries where the economy is bad.
3. My third sentence focus more specifically on the Congo as my main example.
4. The fourth sentence further develops this example of the Congo.
5. The fifth sentence pulls out some general conclusions related to this example.
6. My sixth sentence makes the example more general by relating it to similar countries.
1. On the other hand, few would dispute the fact that in even the most difficult situations people can make their lives better through continued effort. 2. Instances of people who worked hard and became successful abound in both developed and developing nations. 3. Some relevant examples of this are the postwar situations of countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. 4. All those countries were devastated by war to greater and lesser degrees yet they are all currently economic powerhouses. 5. In Japan, World War 2 left their population depleted of workers, a deep national debt due to reparations and infrastructure reduced to rubble. 6. By not accepting their situation they were able to become leaders in technology through notable companies like Sony, Nokia and Toyota. 7. The efficacy of the individuals who had to work hard to improve their lives is reflected in the overall progress of the country and should serve as an example to all war-torn nations.
1. My first sentence is the topic sentence that again says the main topic for the whole paragraph – people can change their lives through effort. It’s a simple main idea but make sure that you develop your simple, obvious main ideas with clear, extended examples!
2. My second sentence begins to introduce the example of countries impacted by wars.
3. The third sentence makes those examples more specific by focusing on some real countries.
4. My fourth sentence describes why those countries are good examples of countries making changes.
5. The fifth sentence focuses specifically on Japan.
6. The sixth sentence talks about the people and companies of Japan because this is more relevant to the question.
7. The sixth sentence continues to focus on how individuals making an effort can change their lives and how this will be reflected in the overall progress/condition of a nation.
1. To conclude, there are very few situations where it would be advisable to simply accept an unhappy situation because hard work over a long period will pay off to some degree in the vast majority of cases. 2. By having a more positive attitude it is also more likely that your efforts to make a better life will be rewarded, while a more defeatist attitude is likely to reduce your chances to make changes in life.
1. The first sentence states my opinion for the second time and my main reason why.
2. My second sentence adds an extra detail that many examiners will require for band 7 and above.
Sample Answer Vocabulary
What do the words in bold mean? If you’re not sure, don’t use a dictionary – try to figure out the meaning from the whole sentence then check your answers below!
Many people find themselves in situations where they must either accept what life has given them or find a way to move up in the world. In my opinion, although accepting your situation in life may be pragmatic in some cases, it is still better to at least strive to improve your situation as it can usually be bettered to some degree.
On the one hand, the vast majority of people are unable to drastically change their situation and acceptance of this fact will make them feel more satisfied with their lives. The best example of this would be those people living in dire economic conditions. Recent research puts the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the poorest nations on Earth, both due to a lack of developed infrastructure and internal strife in recent years. For a person living in a small village, ravaged by war or famine, it would be cruel to suggest that they should find a way to improve their lives when it might simply be impossible. Instead, such people may feel they are better off accepting that they cannot make any changes to their situation at the present moment and just focus on their own survival and that of their family. These situations are rare but do exist around the world in various countries, particularly if they are at war or experiencing a severe economic downturn.
On the other hand, few would dispute the fact that in even the most difficult situations people can make their lives better through continued effort. Instances of people who worked hard and became successful abound in both developed and developing nations. Some relevant examples of this are the postwar situations of countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. All those countries were devastated by war to greater and lesser degrees yet they are all currently economic powerhouses. In Japan, World War 2 left their population depleted of workers, a deep national debt due to reparations and infrastructure reduced to rubble. By not accepting their situation they were able to become leaders in technology through notable companies like Sony, Nokia and Toyota. The efficacy of the individuals who had to work hard to improve their lives is reflected in the overall progress of the country and should serve as an example to all war-torn nations.
To conclude, there are very few situations where it would be advisable to simply accept an unhappy situation because hard work over a long period will pay off to some degree in the vast majority of cases. By having a more positive attitude it is also more likely that your efforts to make a better life will be rewarded, while a more defeatist attitude is likely to reduce your chances to make changes in life.
Answers:
find themselves in situations: are in situations (that weren’t their fault)
move up in the world: improve your standing in life
pragmatic: dealing with the world realistically and sensibly
strive: try hard
bettered to some degree: get a little bit better
drastically change: change a lot
acceptance of this fact: believe something is true
dire economic conditions: severe economic problems
developed infrastructure: good roads, buildings, etc.
internal strife: deep problems in a country
ravaged by war or famine: destroyed by war and hunger
at the present moment: right now
severe economic downturn: the economy getting much worse
dispute: disagree with
continued effort: keep trying
instances abound: lots of examples
relevant examples: examples that are related to this issue
devastated: destroyed or greatly weakened
to greater and lesser degrees: to some extent
depleted of: empty of
deep national debt: a country owing a lot of money
reparations: paying money back for wrong-doing
reduced to rubble: made into ruins
notable companies: prominent companies
efficacy: the ability to make something happen/accomplish something
reflected: mirrored
war-torn nations: countries with wars hurting them
advisable: recommended
to some degree: to some extent
rewarded: get a reward/something back
defeatist attitude: thinking that everything will turn out badly/you will always lose
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
Many people _________________ where they must either accept what life has given them or find a way to _____________. In my opinion, although accepting your situation in life may be _____________ in some cases, it is still better to at least ____________ to improve your situation as it can usually be ____________.
On the one hand, the vast majority of people are unable to ____________ their situation and ____________ will make them feel more satisfied with their lives. The best example of this would be those people living in ____________. Recent research puts the Democratic Republic of Congo as one of the poorest nations on Earth, both due to a lack of ____________ and ____________ in recent years. For a person living in a small village, ____________, it would be cruel to suggest that they should find a way to improve their lives when it might simply be impossible. Instead, such people may feel they are better off accepting that they cannot make any changes to their situation ____________ and just focus on their own survival and that of their family. These situations are rare but do exist around the world in various countries, particularly if they are at war or experiencing a ____________.
On the other hand, few would ____________ the fact that in even the most difficult situations people can make their lives better through ____________. ____________ of people who worked hard and became successful ____________ in both developed and developing nations. Some ____________ of this are the postwar situations of countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. All those countries were ____________ by war ____________ yet they are all currently economic powerhouses. In Japan, World War 2 left their population ____________ workers, a ____________ due to ____________ and infrastructure ____________. By not accepting their situation they were able to become leaders in technology through ____________ like Sony, Nokia and Toyota. The ____________ of the individuals who had to work hard to improve their lives i____________ in the overall progress of the country and should serve as an example to all____________.
To conclude, there are very few situations where it would be ____________ to simply accept an unhappy situation because hard work over a long period will pay off ____________ in the vast majority of cases. By having a more positive attitude it is also more likely that your efforts to make a better life will be ____________, while a more ____________ is likely to reduce your chances to make changes in life.
Links from YouTube and Articles
Germany after the War
Japan under American Occupation
DR Congo’s journey into chaos – BBC News
3 Habits That Will Change Your Life
Comment below – What kind of habits have you changed to make your life better?
In my morning, I’ll typically…
In terms of my study habits…
When I get into a relationship, I try to…
The biggest change I’ve made in my life in recent years is…
This is too log!
Yes, you’re right but I hope students can learn from all the vocabulary and ideas.
Students should aim for a more realistic 300 words.
Dear Dave
I am really interested in your site and the way you teach and write. Thank you for the samples that you prepared kindly. I have a question, in the second paragraph for the phrase ( the vast majority of people) we should singular verb or plural? is or are?
People is the plural of person so it should go with ‘are’, Goudarzi.
Very nice piece of writing. Just one comment – Nokia is from Finland, not Japan 🙂
Haha, yes, thank you! I just assumed based on the name but a few other people have told me that as well!
I have tried for the first time. can you score it?
It becomes essential to address that in this time of pandemic, unemployment is issue of the whole world. Majority under developing and poor countries are most affected during this crisis. Many people lost their jobs because of industrial downturn. There are some people who tend to believe that it is best to accept a bad situation like unsatisfactory job or shortage of money where as rest of others argue this view by saying that it is better to try and improve such situation. My reply to this task would endeavor to explore in the lights of positive and negative points associated with them.
To trigger the debate with mentality of people favoring first view, it can be started that many industries face situation like recession due to international impact on business. For example Diamond business in surat, Gujarat, India often face such a up and down turns because of demand of jewelry, diamonds prices always fluctuate up and down with time. Millions of people are working in that profession and many people are migrated from other states also. Ultimately they are helpless and unlikely to accept the situation because they doesn’t familiar with other work apart from that work.
While considering probable consequences people supporting second view, it become fair to acknowledge that there are some people who are financially healthy and their background are well established and they also got support from their family members. Eventually they do not face such financial crisis in near future that they are likely to try and improve situation by spreading awareness in societies. They try to enhance that what should be done to overcome from the pandemic. But, Unfortunately country like India, where population is at extreme level and employment rate is at low level there are very few people who actually can afford being unemployed and could not be a part of social awareness programs.
As far as I am concerned, I would like to go with first view of the essay because people of under developing and poor countries do not compromise with their jobs where employment rate is scrolling like turtle.
In my opinion, both respective view do face certain argument either in favor of or against each other. Having consider the brighter thought, first view seems to be more correctly formed view than second view.
A little on the long side, Patel!
Some good ideas though but you don’t need so many paragraphs.
There are also a lot of issues with collocations and complex sentences – try to focus on your accuracy.
Hello Mr Dave
How can I improve my reading skills my score approximately 28 33
Hello Dave,
Can you please assess my writing and score it?
Many are of the opinion that it is preferable to accept a difficult circumstance, like job dissatisfaction or having less money. However, others believe that people should attempt to remedy such conditions. While some circumstances are inevitable, I firmly believe that we should always aim to ameliorate any predicament.
Firstly, some situations are best dealt with pragmatism for the benefit of the individual. Many factors exist which may result in job resentment like poor working conditions, low levels of pay and lack of recognition. To illustrate this, for almost a year, my friend was struggling to find a job which would sponsor him for a working visa. When a company finally accepted to employ him, catering for his visa requirements, he took the job wholeheartedly. However, due to poor management and unprofessional leadership from seniors, he was soon facing high levels of stress. As a result, he had to stay in the company for another 2 years until he could apply for his resident permit.
On the other hand, finding an alternative to an awkward situation often creates better outcomes. With the coronavirus pandemic, many people have been made redundant and financial problems made it difficult for them to make ends meet. For example, my uncle was a salesperson in a retail shop, and he lost his job at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak. For that reason, he started to make and sell home-made food to people in his neighborhood. Today he has opened his own take-away shop.
In conclusion, even though many people will face difficulties at some point in life, be it financially or emotionally, we must always strive in order to survive any bad situation. Afterall, challenges are integral parts of life and the experiences acquired from them make us stronger as individuals.
Hi Amy, if you want it marked you can check out here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts
Really nice examples and detail in your answer – keep doing that!
This sample answer is really good
Well explained
Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Demed!
Hi, could you please estimate my score?
There are different views on whether people should accept to live with hard life issues such as few amount of money or an undesirable job or struggle for changing the current situation to achieve a better lifestyle.
On one hand, there are some reasons why an individual endures the existing unsatisfactory job or low salary. Firstly, many people who stick to a bad vocation, have no other choice to change their current position because they might not have sufficient skills or required qualifications for new jobs. Next, some people have a lot of responsibility and it is difficult for them to spend an unpredictable time to find a new occupation while they have to fulfill their family’s necessities. As a result, it can be seen that there is a kind of obligation to remain in an unsuitable job or accept the shortage of money without any incentive to alter the way of life.
On the other hand, many people believe that they should try to modify the bad situations when their job and income cannot make them happy. It might require learning new skills and making extra efforts to look for new employment while it should not be assumed simple. Considering the difficulties in this way, people will be motivated to make a better plan in future and this attitude makes them happy and they feel worthy. The other reason is that the opportunities come and leave quickly, so if an individual does not make an attempt to overcome the problems, he probably loses unique chances to improve his life like a well-paid job.
In conclusion, although some people disagree with the change of unfavorable situations, I advocate the latter view that says trying to improve the current conditions often derives self-satisfaction in life and the person will be able to seize the chances as well.
Good work, Mahdigh!
You can get your essay marked if yous sign up here: Patreon.com/howtodoielts
You have some good basic vocabulary but not a lot of academic collocations or phrases – so keep working on that!
Hi Dave, could you please drop a brief comment on my writing?
Some argue that it is most preferred to accept a undesirable situation, namely unsatisfactory or lack of money. While some people hold a belief that it is more preferrable to make an effort in improving such a condition. In the following, I am going to look into both sides’ point of view and to elaborate my thoughts.
First, people who are willing to accept bad situations lack of motivation and desires. It is commonly believed by them that there is no such thing as fairness in the world as they chose to accept the reality. Thus, this group of people are usually regarded as the less privileged. In order to avoid dealing with endless obstacles, they chose to deal with a only few major problems which will be long-lasting if they do not take action to solve them, such as having not enough money and weak body condition. In my opinion, they are not living life to its fullest, which I do not admire this attitude. Having a faith is of utmost importance of one’s since it motivates us to grow and excel. I would, personally, end up with regards if I never attempt to achieve or challenge anything.
At the same time, there are people who are working hard to improve their living condition. The people in Hong Kong who dedicate themselves to technology start-ups is a typical example of it. As we all know, the funding in Hong Kong for technology research and development has never been sufficient, still, those founders are making the best out of the least resources they have, simultaneously pitching for funding in the business world. It can be imagined that their lives are full of barriers as they are continuously facing new difficulties. These people, nonetheless, are solving problems one by one on a daily basis, which I admire their mottos and living attitude. Life is too short to be wasted and I think that it is going to be fruitful at the end of the day despite all the failures they have encountered. What last forever is the sense of satisfaction they once earned by their hard work.
To conclude, there are always people with different point of views in regard to this issue. However, I am more inclined to keep trying to strive for improvements.
384 words, 25 mins
While certain persons are of the opinion that it is good to accept worse conditions such as job dissatisfaction or money reduction, others argue that it is best to try and make better such conditions. This essay will discuss both views and present my opinion on this subject.
One one part are those who argue that it is good to accept worse situations such as job dissatisfaction or money shortage. They point to the fact that those situations allows for skill improvement, making the person become best at what they do. It also helps them to spend wisely, knowing how difficult it is to acquire wealth. For instance, I read online that most successful businessmen of today have passed through worst situations at their early lives.
On the other part are those who feel that it is best to try and make better such situations. This is mainly because good jobs and availability of money enables good living standard like eating of good foods and sustains healthy living conditions. When people are satisfied with their jobs, they are happy and their mental health is not affected. For example, studies have shown that people who have good jobs have little or no medical conditions.
In conclusion, although accepting worse conditions helps to improve a person’s skill and value for money, my opinion is that it is best to improve such conditions as it increases standard of living and health conditions.
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