Choosing a job for a high income: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 7.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
375 words. Marked by Axiom on 20 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2375 words
The most important consideration when choosing any career or job is having a high income. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Choosing a career is an important decision in people’s lives and therefore there is a view that high salary is the most important consideration. While there are legitimate reasons to prioritize a high income, I firmly believe that job satisfaction and opportunities for career development are equally important when making this decision.
, as financial stability allows them to cover essential expenses and provide them with a comfortable standard of living. Particularly parents who have significant financial obligations, including housing and education costs, for instance, should be able to afford those necessities, so they choose a job with a substantial income. Therefore, in the contemporary world where the rising cost of living places an excessive burden on people’s household budgets, considering salary over other aspects would actually be one of the best options to pursue.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedA high salary, indeed, provides individuals with considerable financial security.
The revised sentence sounds more natural and formal.
Lexical resource
RevisedPeople often prioritize a higher income first
The revised sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
Nevertheless, prioritizing salary above all else may lead to long-term dissatisfaction. and consequently, individuals should value and consider opportunities for growth as well.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFocusing solely on salary, while dismissing other aspects that should align with individuals’ preferences, interests, and abilities, can ultimately lead to personal unhappiness.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn other words, personal fulfilment also plays an indispensable role in one's career, as individuals may not be able to remain motivated in a monotonous and undesirable job for an extended period of time.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
Lexical resource
RevisedIn fact, career satisfaction can automatically contribute to professional advancement
The revised sentence is more accurate and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
Instead, people could strike a balance between good salary prospects and personal fulfilment as well as opportunities for career advancement. While a good income enables people to cover their daily needs and household necessities, a career performance and job satisfaction are crucial things to pursue too, since it will create an opportunities to growth and lead to higher salaries.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn my perspective, a more effective approach to choosing careers or jobs would be to consider earning potential alone.
The revised sentence is more clear and direct.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedGiven this, people should not only consider earning potential but also prioritize job satisfaction.
The revised sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
In conclusion, although the rising cost living force people to choose a good salary over other aspects, I disagree that income comes first.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedIn the long run, job satisfaction can lead to happiness and higher salaries.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
- Make sure that your ideas are fully developed and explained.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedA high salary, indeed, provides individuals with considerable financial security.
The revised sentence sounds more natural and formal.
RevisedIn other words, personal fulfilment also plays an indispensable role in one's career, as individuals may not be able to remain motivated in a monotonous and undesirable job for an extended period of time.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
RevisedIn my perspective, a more effective approach to choosing careers or jobs would be to consider earning potential alone.
The revised sentence is more clear and direct.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay shows a good control of a range of grammatical structures, with only minor errors. However, there are a few sentences that could be rephrased for clarity.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedFocusing solely on salary, while dismissing other aspects that should align with individuals’ preferences, interests, and abilities, can ultimately lead to personal unhappiness.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
RevisedGiven this, people should not only consider earning potential but also prioritize job satisfaction.
The revised sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
RevisedIn the long run, job satisfaction can lead to happiness and higher salaries.
The revised sentence is more clear and concise.
Lexical resource
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of some less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedPeople often prioritize a higher income first
The revised sentence is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
RevisedPrioritizing salary over other aspects might actually be one of the best options to pursue.
The revised sentence is more natural and formal.
RevisedIn fact, career satisfaction can automatically contribute to professional advancement
The revised sentence is more accurate and conveys the intended meaning more clearly.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout the response. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. However, the introduction could be improved to better introduce the topic and the writer's position.
Suggestions
- Consider revising the introduction to more clearly state your position.
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