Cambridge IELTS 14 Test 1 Writing Task 2: Sample Answer

People respond to hardship in very different ways. Some argue that the wise course is to accept an unsatisfactory job or a shortage of money, whereas others insist that effort should be made to change such circumstances. Although acceptance has a limited place, I believe that trying to improve one's situation is generally the better approach.

Those who favour acceptance have a reasonable point. Worrying constantly about a dull job or a tight budget can drain energy and damage mental health, and in some cases there is simply little that an individual can alter. A person living in a region with few vacancies, for instance, may find that quitting leads only to unemployment.

Nevertheless, passive resignation carries serious costs. People who tolerate a poorly paid post for decades often lose confidence and see their skills go to waste, while their families may suffer from the lack of income. By contrast, taking action, such as retraining in the evenings, asking for a promotion or building a small side business, can open doors that seemed firmly closed. Many successful entrepreneurs began precisely because they refused to accept a salary that did not cover their needs. Moreover, striving for improvement sets a positive example for children, who learn that circumstances are not fixed.

In my view, the two attitudes need not be opposed. Some difficulties, such as a serious illness or a recession, lie beyond our control, and accepting them calmly prevents needless anguish. However, where a realistic route to progress exists, it would be unwise not to pursue it. Acceptance should therefore be a temporary emotional strategy rather than a permanent decision to stop trying.

In conclusion, although accepting what cannot be changed brings peace of mind, I am convinced that making a determined effort to improve a bad situation is more likely to lead to lasting satisfaction and security.