IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)

In today's world, there are two contrasting views regarding how to handle a bad situation, such as an unsatisfactory job, a financial hardship or an unfavourable situation. Some people suggest that it is best to accept the situation as it is, and try to make the most of it while others argue that it is better to take action and try to improve it. In my opinion, it is more reasonable to try and improve the bad situation to achieve a better outcome.

On the one hand, those who advocate for acceptance of bad situations believe that it can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Acceptance of a bad situation can help individuals focus on the things they can control and allow them to live in the present moment. For instance, a person with no special skills and a low-paying job may choose to accept the situation and focus on being happy with whatever little he has. If he is constantly unhappy about his pay scale and tries to change the job without a proper skillset, it will make his life more miserable.

On the other hand, those who argue for taking action to change their conditions believe that acceptance can lead to complacency and lack of motivation. By accepting a bad situation, individuals may miss out on opportunities to improve their circumstances and achieve their goals. For example, a person with a shortage of money may choose to take on extra work or seek financial assistance to improve their financial situation rather than thinking that he has nothing to do to earn more money and get out of the financial hardship.

In my view, while acceptance of unfavourable conditions can be useful in certain situations, it is often better to take action and strive for improvement. Without action, individuals may be resigned to a life of mediocrity, missing out on opportunities for personal and professional growth. Furthermore, taking action can help individuals build resilience and develop problem-solving skills, which can be useful in various areas of life.

In conclusion, while some argue that it is best to accept a favourable circumstance, others contend that it is better to try and improve it. While acceptance can be helpful in certain situations, in my view, taking action and striving for improvement is often the best course of action. By doing so, individuals can achieve better outcomes and build valuable skills that can be used in various areas of life.

Sample Answer 2: [View: it is better to try and improve bad situations]

Whether we should put a great deal of effort into changing our fate and improving our condition, or accept bad things and situations as they are is a topic of intense debate with both sides attracting supporters and critics. This essay aims to discuss both perspectives. In my opinion, we should always try to overcome an undesirable situation by putting in our best effort.

Those who favour bearing a bad situation argue that our life would be much easier if we learn to let go and be happy with whatever we have. They also say that we can not control every aspect of our life, and if we keep trying hard to change every inferior aspect of our life, we will be so occupied in the process that hardly will we get any time to enjoy life. For instance, if we want to get to the top of our career and reap the financial benefits that come with it in this competitive job market, we will have to work so hard and for such a length that it will hardly give us personal time to enjoy our life. Similarly, some situations, like birth defects, are not amendable and trying to correct them would only give us misery instead of happiness.

On the contrary, supporters of improving our situation by trying hard say that our life is a constant battle and only dedicated and hard-working individuals win the race. They keep arguing that people who try to change bad situations ultimately win the adversity of life, and become enlightened in the process. And happiness comes from this constant battle and refinement. According to them, life is a constant journey and without trying hard, we can not set a goal in life and become miserable. If we look at the lives of great scientists, artists and successful entrepreneurs, we will notice a common trait among all of them, and it is their constant effort to achieve excellence.

In conclusion, I believe that we get true motivation from our constant effort to do better in life, and that is why we should never give in and try hard to change our bad situations to turn them in our favour. This way, life would be more meaningful and enjoyable for us.

Sample Answer 3: [View: It is better to accept bad a situation and be happy with whatever we have]

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 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 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 explore 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 acceptance of bad conditions believe that certain circumstances cannot be changed, and struggling against them only leads to frustration. Firstly, some people face unavoidable limitations, such as economic downturns, industry instability, or personal constraints. For instance, a worker in a declining industry may find it nearly impossible to switch careers due 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 for change can cause emotional distress and burnout. Not everyone has the resources or opportunities to improve their condition, and repeated failure may lead to anxiety and disappointment.

To conclude, while both perspectives hold merit, I believe that accepting 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.