Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-12

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)

It is often predicted that, in the future, people will increasingly choose to spend their holidays in their own countries rather than travelling abroad. While domestic tourism is likely to become more popular, I disagree that it will replace international travel, as people will continue to seek new cultures and experiences overseas.

One reason why domestic holidays may become more common is that they are generally cheaper and more convenient. Travelling within one's own country eliminates the need for expensive international flights, visas and currency exchange. Moreover, people are usually more familiar with the language, transportation system and local customs, which makes domestic travel less stressful. For example, a Canadian family may choose to explore destinations such as Banff or Vancouver Island instead of travelling overseas because these trips can be organised more easily and at a lower cost.

However, I believe international tourism will remain highly attractive in the future. Travelling abroad provides opportunities to experience different cultures, cuisines, traditions and lifestyles that cannot always be replicated within one's own country. In addition, the increasing availability of affordable flights and online travel services is making international holidays more accessible to a wider range of people. For instance, budget airlines and online booking platforms allow travellers to compare flights and accommodation and organise overseas trips at relatively low prices.

In conclusion, although domestic tourism is likely to grow because of its affordability and convenience, I do not believe that most people will stop travelling abroad. The desire to experience different cultures and explore unfamiliar places will ensure that international tourism remains popular.

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 for both domestic and international tourism are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of Canadian destinations and the role of budget airlines. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. The response is well-balanced, providing a nuanced view that acknowledges the growth of domestic travel while successfully arguing against the idea that it will replace international tourism.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the arguments for domestic travel and the counter-argument for international travel is smooth. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'However', 'In addition', and 'For instance', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases such as 'eliminates the need', 'replicated', and 'increasing availability' show a level of sophistication. The word choices are generally precise and contribute to a natural flow. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be slightly more ambitious to reach the highest band, perhaps by incorporating more idiomatic collocations or nuanced academic terminology. However, the current range is more than sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional-like structures ('if... then' implied) and subordinate clauses, with very few errors. Punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is consistently clear. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. Your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is excellent throughout the piece.

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