Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

It is very common for people to change both their habits and their opinions as they get older.

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 argued that people tend to change both their habits and opinions as they grow older. I strongly agree with this view because people’s lifestyles, responsibilities and experiences change significantly throughout their lives, which naturally influences the way they think and behave.

One major reason why people change their habits is that their responsibilities increase with age. Young people often have more freedom and may spend their time socialising, staying up late or eating unhealthy food. However, as they enter adulthood, many begin working full-time, getting married or raising children. These responsibilities encourage them to adopt healthier and more organised routines. For example, a person who regularly stayed up until midnight during university might start going to bed earlier once they have a demanding job and family responsibilities.

People’s opinions can also change as they gain more experience. When individuals are young, their views are often influenced by their parents, teachers and friends. As they become older, however, they encounter different people and situations, allowing them to develop more independent perspectives. For instance, someone who once believed that working long hours was the best way to achieve success may change their opinion after experiencing stress or burnout. They may eventually place greater importance on work-life balance and personal well-being.

Furthermore, major life events can have a powerful effect on both habits and opinions. Travelling, starting a new career, becoming a parent or facing financial difficulties can expose people to circumstances that they had never previously considered. As a result, they may reconsider beliefs that once seemed unquestionable. For example, a person who had never considered volunteering might develop a stronger interest in helping others after experiencing hardship themselves.

In conclusion, I agree that it is very common for people to change their habits and opinions as they grow older. Increased responsibilities, greater life experience and significant personal events all contribute to these changes. In my view, adapting in this way is a natural and often beneficial part of personal development.

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. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant, logical examples, such as the transition from university life to professional responsibilities and the shift in perspectives regarding work-life balance. The ideas are extended effectively, providing a balanced view of how both habits and opinions evolve. The conclusion successfully synthesises the main points without introducing new information. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'For instance,' and 'Furthermore.' The use of referencing is precise, ensuring the reader can easily follow the argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different aspects of the argument (habits, opinions, and life events). The flow of the essay is natural, and the relationship between ideas is clearly articulated, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an IELTS Task 2 essay. You use topic-specific terms such as 'demanding job,' 'independent perspectives,' 'burnout,' and 'personal development' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing for a clear expression of complex ideas. While the vocabulary is effective and fits the context well, it occasionally leans towards standard rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. However, the control of word choice and collocation is consistent throughout the text, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'As they become older, however, they encounter different people...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. You demonstrate good control over verb tenses and modal verbs. There are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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