Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Preferences and interests vary from one person to another depending on their personalities and past experiences. Some people love exploring different things, however, others prefer to stay within their comfort zone. This essay will discuss both perspectives in the following paragraphs and give my opinion in the conclusion.

On one hand, proponents of the idea that individuals should embrace new experiences and opportunities believe that it allows to gain valuable knowledge and develop appreciation for life. Moreover, it shapes one's personality by boosting confidence and broadening perspectives. Consequently, this willingness to try different things teaches adaptability, acceptance, and resilience. For instance, various studies on human behaviour have indicated that people who are more adventurous tend to be more open-minded and better equipped to handle challenges.

On the other hand, advocates of preferring familiar environments argue that it provides a sense of security and comfort. Certainty and predictability in routines and similar situations allows individuals to thrive and achieve better outcomes. As a result, it reduces stress and anxiety that comes with change, thus promoting mental well-being. A clear illustration of this can be seen in people's eating habits. Many individuals prefer ordering dishes from their favourite restaurants rather than trying unfamiliar cuisines. This familiarity provides them with comfort and eliminates risk of disappointment.

In conclusion, although both viewpoints have their own positives, I believe that unfamiliar escapades are more beneficial as it not only provides a valuable learning experience but also challenges to go beyond one's limitations. Therefore, branching out and embracing new experiences can lead to personal growth and greater self-awareness.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both attitudes and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the discussion on personal growth versus the comfort of routine. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the development of the arguments could be slightly more detailed; for instance, providing a more specific personal example rather than a general observation about eating habits would strengthen the support. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'Moreover', 'Consequently', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is accurate throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific language such as 'adaptability', 'resilience', 'unfamiliar escapades', and 'self-awareness'. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items, and the word choice is generally precise. While the range is adequate, it does not consistently demonstrate the 'skilful use of uncommon items' required for a higher band. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although both viewpoints have their own positives, I believe...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are minor slips, such as 'it allows to gain' (should be 'it allows one to gain') and 'challenges to go beyond' (should be 'challenges one to go beyond'). These are minor and do not affect the clarity of the message. The punctuation is also handled well throughout the response.

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