Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-30

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 9.0)

People approach life choices differently; some enthusiastically seek out unfamiliar cuisines and travel destinations, while others find contentment in repeating familiar routines. While sticking to known habits provides unmatched psychological comfort, I believe that actively trying new things is far more beneficial as it promotes personal growth and expands one's worldview.On the one hand, there are distinct advantages to staying with what is familiar. The primary benefit is the reduction of daily stress and decision fatigue. When individuals frequent the same restaurants or holiday spots, they eliminate the risk of disappointment because they already know what to expect. This consistency creates a safe haven that protects people from the anxieties of the unknown. For example, after a high-pressure work week, many people prefer to order their favorite comfort food rather than risk trying an exotic dish that they might dislike. Therefore, familiarity ensures emotional stability and guaranteed satisfaction.On the other hand, embracing novelty is essential for cognitive development and cultural enrichment. Exploring unfamiliar places and stepping outside of one's comfort zone forces the brain to adapt, which sharpens problem-solving skills and builds resilience. Furthermore, sampling international foods and interacting with diverse cultures fosters deep empathy and eliminates narrow-minded stereotypes. A person who travels to a completely different country, for instance, learns to appreciate alternative ways of living, which builds a well-rounded and sophisticated perspective on the world.In my opinion, while familiar routines offer a comforting emotional anchor, a life spent solely within one's comfort zone leads to intellectual stagnation. Real personal growth only happens when we challenge ourselves with the unfamiliar.In conclusion, although sticking to the known ensures a peaceful and predictable life, the pursuit of new experiences is ultimately superior. It keeps the mind active, enriches personal character, and allows individuals to live a much more fulfilling and adventurous life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the comfort of familiarity and the benefits of novelty—and provided a strong, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'decision fatigue' and the 'high-pressure work week' to illustrate why people prefer routine. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments and reinforces your stance. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the requirements for a high-scoring essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Furthermore.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate, which helps the reader follow your argument without effort. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clearly established, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using sophisticated terms such as 'decision fatigue,' 'cognitive development,' 'intellectual stagnation,' and 'emotional anchor' with natural control. The word choices are precise and enhance the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling, and the language used is appropriate for an academic or formal context. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes significantly to the overall impact and persuasiveness of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses and well-constructed compound-complex sentences. The grammar is highly accurate, with the vast majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. You show excellent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The writing is polished and sophisticated, with no significant errors that would impede communication or distract the reader. The level of grammatical control is consistent throughout the entire piece.

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