Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27

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 8.5)

Absolutely. I’ll keep the **same structural style you have been practising**—especially **“Never before has…,” “Although…,” “Were…to…,” “Provided that…,” “thereby not only…but also,”** and your **In this respect** concluding sentences—while keeping the language natural enough for Band 8.

**It is very common for people to change both their habits and their opinions as they get older. To what extent do you agree or disagree?**

Never before have people experienced such significant changes in their lifestyles and personal perspectives as they do throughout the different stages of life. Although ageing can lead people to modify their daily habits because of changing social and financial circumstances, their fundamental opinions may remain relatively stable as these are often shaped during their early years. In my view, I largely agree that people tend to change their habits as they grow older, whereas their core beliefs and values may be less susceptible to change.

Admittedly, were people's social and financial circumstances to change significantly as they got older, they would be likely to modify their daily habits accordingly, particularly after retirement or changes in family responsibilities. As people age, their priorities often shift from career advancement towards health, family and financial security, thereby not only changing their routines but also influencing the way they spend their time and money. For instance, after retirement, many individuals may have more time to participate in community activities, exercise regularly and prepare meals at home, whereas they may previously have prioritized work-related commitments. Moreover, changes in financial circumstances can also encourage older people to become more cautious about their expenditure. Provided that their income decreases after retirement, they may reduce unnecessary spending and allocate more money to essential expenses and healthcare. In this respect, these arguments clearly demonstrate that ageing can play a significant role in changing people's everyday habits and priorities.

Conversely, people's fundamental opinions and core values may remain relatively stable despite the changes they experience throughout their lives. This is because many personal beliefs are developed during childhood and early adulthood, when individuals are strongly influenced by their families, education and wider social environment. Although people may encounter different experiences as they grow older, these deeply rooted values can continue to shape their attitudes towards family, responsibility and social relationships. For example, a person who has been taught from an early age to value family responsibility may continue to prioritise caring for relatives even after entering retirement. Moreover, repeated exposure to the same principles and behaviours can make certain beliefs particularly resistant to change. Provided that individuals have developed strong convictions during their formative years, they may be less willing to abandon them simply because they have become older. In this respect, these arguments clearly demonstrate that growing older does not necessarily result in substantial changes to people's fundamental opinions and values.

In conclusion, although ageing can significantly influence people's habits because of changes in their social roles, financial circumstances and priorities, their core opinions and values may remain comparatively stable. I therefore largely agree that people tend to change their habits as they get older, while recognizing that deeply established beliefs may be considerably more resistant to change.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response covers all parts of the task well, presenting a clear and nuanced position throughout. The student successfully addresses both aspects of the prompt—habits and opinions—and distinguishes between them effectively. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as lifestyle changes post-retirement and childhood influences on core values. The arguments are extended logically, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the prompt. There are no omissions or misunderstandings, fitting the Band 8 descriptor exceptionally well.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, and progression is clear throughout the entire essay. The student uses cohesive devices skilfully and naturally, such as 'Conversely,' 'Moreover,' and 'In this respect,' without sounding overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic—habits in the second paragraph and opinions in the third. Referencing and substitution are managed very well, ensuring smooth transitions between ideas and overall textual flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary. Uncommon lexical items such as 'susceptible,' 'expenditure,' 'formative years,' and 'convictions' are used naturally and with a strong awareness of collocation and style. Word choice is precise throughout the response, and there are virtually no inaccuracies. The vocabulary successfully conveys subtle distinctions in meaning, fitting comfortably within the Band 8 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5

The essay features a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of control and accuracy, including inverted conditional structures ('were people's social and financial circumstances to change...'), advanced participial phrases ('thereby not only changing their routines...'), and sophisticated concessive clauses. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and any complex forms attempted are handled securely. Punctuation is accurate, and grammar never impedes communication.

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