Accepting Bad Situations vs Trying to Improve Them

9 Sample Responses · Bands 6.5–7.5

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. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

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Sample responses and feedback

Response 01

Must fixSuggested

Nowadays people are calling into question the acceptance of situations that are severely harsh. While some of the individuals claim that accepting these circumstances is superior, others insist on improving these conditions. In this essay, both sides will be scrutinized followed by my own take on the matter.

On the one hand, the benefits of accepting demanding situations are by no means negligible. To begin with, being in a hostile situation is highly likely to enhance people’s patience. Simply put, when ones are under severe pressure and fail to change their position for the better on their own, they are just obliged to wait till, for example, an external factor can assist them. Consequently, they are being converted to more tolerant people. Furthermore, it is bound to prevent immediate reaction to these situations which can be destructive decisions. Because reacting impulsively to a hostile position might well result in an inappropriate response.

On the other hand, opponents of the mentioned view say that trying to figure out a solution to the problem is more beneficial. First of all, a hard-working person who always seeks to find a solution is more likely to achieve their goal. To be more exact, the more hardworking people are, the less harsh situation they will confront. Take PhD candidates who would face a mathematical problem during their thesis as an example; they will potentially overcome the barrier by searching hard on the internet. Moreover, it may broaden individuals’ horizons and acquire some skills by learning substantial constructive information during their attempts to find an alternative.

In conclusion, although accepting a bad situation would increase human’s tolerance and prevent reacting compulsorily, I strongly believe, not only will the hard-working conquer the problem, but also they will acquire knowledge in their way of finding a solution.

Score details

Response 01
Estimated band6.5/ 9

Overall assessment

The response addresses both views and states a clear personal opinion, supported by relevant if somewhat generalised examples. Its strongest aspect is an ambitious lexical range with many well-chosen phrases, though some collocations are strained. The main limitation is uneven idea development and mechanical cohesion, with occasional grammatical slips that briefly obscure meaning.

TR

Task Response

Both perspectives are addressed and a clear personal position is presented, but ideas are developed unevenly and examples remain somewhat general rather than fully extended.

6.5
CC

Coherence and Cohesion

The essay is clearly paragraphed and progresses through both views to a conclusion, yet cohesion is at times mechanical and the logical link between some ideas is loose.

6.5
LR

Lexical Resource

A wide and often precise range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility, though certain collocations and word choices are unnatural or forced.

7.0
GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The essay attempts varied structures, including comparative clauses and not only inversion. Errors include the standalone Because clause, “when ones are”, and a subject mismatch in “it may ... acquire some skills”, which reduce accuracy and clarity.

6.5

What to work on next

Develop each main idea more fully with concrete, specific support and refine collocations such as 'reacting compulsorily' to use vocabulary more precisely.

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