Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-27
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people like to try new things, for example, places to visit and types of food. Other people prefer to keep doing things they are familiar with.
Discuss both these attitudes and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 8.5)
People have different attitudes towards trying new experiences. While some enjoy exploring new places, tasting different foods, and seeking adventure, others prefer familiar routines because they provide comfort and security. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before explaining why I believe a balance between the two is the best approach.
On the one hand, many people enjoy trying new things because it broadens their knowledge and makes life more interesting. Travelling to new destinations allows people to experience different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Similarly, trying new cuisines can introduce them to unique flavours and cooking styles. These experiences often improve confidence, encourage personal growth, and create lasting memories. For example, someone who travels to Japan may learn about its customs while enjoying authentic Japanese food, making the trip both educational and enjoyable.
On the other hand, some people prefer familiar activities because they value stability and predictability. Visiting the same holiday destinations or eating familiar meals reduces the risk of disappointment and helps people feel comfortable. In addition, individuals with busy schedules may not have the time or desire to experiment with new experiences. For instance, many families choose to revisit the same beach resort each year because they already know the location, accommodation, and facilities.
In my opinion, trying new things is generally more beneficial because it helps people develop new skills, become more open-minded, and adapt to different situations. However, this does not mean that familiar routines are unimportant. Maintaining certain routines provides a sense of security and balance in everyday life. Therefore, combining new experiences with familiar habits is the most sensible approach.
In conclusion, although some people prefer the comfort of familiar activities, others enjoy exploring new experiences. I believe that embracing new opportunities while maintaining a few familiar routines allows people to enjoy both personal growth and stability.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both attitudes—the preference for new experiences and the preference for familiar routines—and provided a distinct personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of travelling to Japan and the habit of revisiting the same beach resort. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. The structure is logical, and the content is directly relevant to the task requirements, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is well-organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing and substitution is effective, ensuring that the flow of information is logical and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your personal opinion. The overall structure is coherent, and the relationship between ideas is clearly established throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use some less common items effectively, such as 'stability', 'predictability', 'open-minded', and 'sensible approach'. The word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for the formal tone of an IELTS essay. While the vocabulary is solid and conveys your meaning clearly, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('While some enjoy...', 'Although some people prefer...') and conditional-like structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no major grammatical slips that cause confusion. You maintain a consistent tense usage throughout, and the sentence construction is varied enough to keep the reader engaged. The writing is accurate and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.
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