Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-31
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 unfamiliar places and tasting different kinds of food, others prefer to stick to activities and habits they already know. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that trying new things is generally more beneficial.
On the one hand, many people prefer familiar experiences because they provide a sense of comfort and security. Visiting the same holiday destinations or eating familiar meals reduces the risk of disappointment. In addition, people often have busy lives, so they may not want to spend time or money on experiences that could turn out to be unpleasant. For example, a family may choose to return to the same beach resort every year because they know the accommodation, restaurants, and attractions meet their expectations.
On the other hand, trying new things can broaden people's knowledge and make life more interesting. Exploring different cultures through travel or food allows individuals to develop a better understanding of the world. New experiences can also improve confidence and help people discover interests they never knew they had. For instance, someone who tries traditional Japanese cuisine for the first time may find a new favourite dish, while travelling to another country can create unforgettable memories and valuable life lessons.
In my opinion, although there is nothing wrong with enjoying familiar routines, people should make an effort to try new experiences whenever possible. Stepping outside our comfort zone encourages personal growth and makes life more exciting. Even if some experiences are disappointing, they often teach us something valuable and help us appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
In conclusion, while familiar activities offer comfort and reliability, trying new things provides opportunities for learning, personal development, and enjoyment. Therefore, I believe people should be open to new experiences while still appreciating the comfort of familiar ones.
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 task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the preference for familiarity and the benefits of trying new things—and provided a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the beach resort scenario and the mention of Japanese cuisine. The position is consistent and supported by logical arguments regarding comfort versus personal growth. To reach the highest band, you could further extend the depth of your analysis by exploring the potential psychological reasons behind the fear of the unknown, but the current level of development is already very strong.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'On the other hand'. The paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of your argument. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning from the introduction to the conclusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'stepping outside our comfort zone', 'unforgettable memories', and 'personal development' are used accurately and naturally. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning well, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to add nuance to your arguments. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is consistently appropriate for the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'While' clauses and conditional structures. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there is a good balance between simple and complex forms. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. Because the writing is clear, error-free, and uses a range of structures effectively, it meets the criteria for a high band in this category.
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