Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In the future, more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday. Do you agree or disagree?

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In recent years, travelling has become more affordable and convenient than ever before. While some people believe that, in the future, most individuals will prefer domestic holidays instead of travelling overseas, I disagree with this view because international travel offers unique cultural experiences and has become increasingly accessible.

On the one hand, domestic tourism has several advantages. Travelling within one's own country is usually less expensive because people can save money on airfare, visas, and travel insurance. In addition, local trips require less planning and are often more convenient, especially for families with young children or elderly members. For example, many Canadians enjoy visiting destinations such as Banff National Park or Niagara Falls, where they can admire breathtaking scenery without leaving the country. Furthermore, choosing local destinations also supports the national economy by creating jobs and boosting local businesses.

On the other hand, I believe international tourism will continue to attract a large number of travelers. Visiting another country allows people to experience different cultures, traditions, languages, and cuisines, which broadens their horizons and helps them develop a better understanding of the world. Moreover, the aviation industry has become highly competitive, resulting in cheaper airfares and attractive travel packages. As a result, overseas travel is no longer a luxury reserved for the wealthy. For instance, many people from Canada travel to Europe or Asia during their vacations to explore historical landmarks and enjoy experiences that cannot be found in their home country.

In conclusion, although domestic holidays are economical, convenient, and beneficial for the local economy, I believe that international travel will remain popular because it provides unforgettable experiences and valuable cultural exposure. Therefore, I disagree that most people will choose to spend their holidays only in their own country in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with the first body paragraph acknowledging the benefits of domestic tourism and the second body paragraph providing a strong counter-argument regarding the cultural and economic accessibility of international travel. The use of specific examples, such as Banff National Park and the mention of the aviation industry's competitiveness, adds depth and relevance to your points. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the task is fully satisfied.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of domestic travel and the advantages of international travel is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result', which guide the reader through your argument without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'breathtaking scenery', 'historical landmarks', and 'cultural exposure' show a solid command of topic-specific language. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and your word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is effective and natural, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level score. There are no spelling errors, and the language used is consistently accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While some people believe that...', 'Although domestic holidays are economical...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You successfully balance simple and complex structures to maintain a natural flow. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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