Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 7.0)

I agree that it is very common for people to change both their habits and opinions as they get older because, as people grow up, their level of thinking changes for several reasons.

Firstly, hormonal changes can affect people's behaviour, especially when they move from childhood into their teenage years. During childhood, people tend to behave in a childish manner and have limited understanding of life. However, as they grow older, their habits and opinions often change because they gain practical experience and learn from their mistakes. Every individual has a different perspective, and their opinions can change as they become influenced by their surroundings and life experiences.

For example, when I was between 10 and 19 years old, I did not like eating vegetables and fruits. At that time, when my parents forced me to eat healthy food, I preferred junk food such as burgers and pizza. Whenever my parents encouraged me to eat healthy food, I became upset because I did not understand what was good for my health and body. In contrast, today I rarely eat junk food and have changed many of my unhealthy habits because I now realise that nothing is more important than maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Another example is my uncle, who owns an old-age home. A week ago, I visited the home and met many elderly people. One woman named Sandy, who is 80 years old, told me that when she was around 30, she was extremely hardworking and worked two jobs in a single day. However, as she grew older, she realised that it was also important to spend time with herself and enjoy life rather than focusing only on work.

In conclusion, people's habits and opinions can change significantly as they grow older. Hormonal changes, practical experience, mistakes, and changes in their environment can all influence the way people think and behave throughout their lives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear stance that people change both habits and opinions as they get older, supporting this position with well-developed ideas and relevant personal examples. The introduction clearly states the writer's agreement and outlines that thinking changes for several reasons. The body paragraphs effectively explore distinct aspects of this proposition, such as the transition from childhood habits to adult health consciousness, and a contrasting example of an elderly person's changing perspective on work-life balance. Ideas are extended and supported well throughout, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt. Although there is a minor reliance on personal anecdote, the examples are deployed effectively to illustrate the broader argument regarding human development and psychological maturation over time. Therefore, the response comfortably aligns with the Band 7 descriptors for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory thesis, moving through structured body paragraphs with clear signposting words such as 'Firstly', 'For example', 'In contrast', and 'Another example', and culminating in a concise concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without feeling overly mechanical. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently and logically, separating the distinct examples into their own paragraphs to enhance readability. Referencing is generally clear, and the transition of ideas from childhood to old age flows naturally. This performance fits the Band 7 criteria for Coherence and Cohesion well.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases like 'practical experience', 'perspective', 'unhealthy habits', and 'work-life balance' (implied) are used effectively. There are successful attempts to use less common vocabulary items such as 'childish manner', 'hormonal changes', and 'maintaining a healthy lifestyle'. While some vocabulary is slightly repetitive—such as the frequent reuse of 'habits', 'opinions', and 'grow older'—the lexical choices remain natural and generally accurate. Spelling and word choice errors are absent or do not impede communication in any way. The vocabulary range and precision comfortably meet the requirements for a Band 6.5, leaning towards a solid Band 7 due to good control in contextual usage.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and relative clauses such as '...especially when they move from childhood into their teenage years' and '...because I now realise that nothing is more important than maintaining a healthy lifestyle.' There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Minor slips are rare, and complex structures are handled with reasonable accuracy throughout the essay. The punctuation is generally well managed, aiding readability. The control over syntax and the successful integration of complex sentences align well with the Band 7 descriptor.

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