Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-03
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 5.5)
There are two types of people we see nowadays: one who prefers to try new things and experiences, whereas the other always does the same kinds of things they are comfortable with. Here I am going to explain both sides and give my perspective on them.
Some people always try new things and get new experiences. For instance, these kinds of folks, whenever they are eating out, not only do they prefer to go to new restaurants, but they also try new dishes that they have never tried before. On the other hand, people who are habituated to doing the same things prefer to go to the same place for lunch or dinner, and on top of that, they will order the same dishes they know and like. Here, in my view, it is alright to try new things sometimes so that you get a different taste or experience of life.
People who do the same thing, they are well aware of why they are doing as they must have a reason behind doing it. To elaborate on this, some people prefer to visit the same places they have visited and prefer to shop from the same place they are doing. This behavior is because they believe they will not just only get the same experience they had last time, but they will not get disappointed with it. In my opinion, these people have a clear idea why they are doing the repeated thing so as not to get any disappointment afterwards.
To summarise, I will say there are two sides of coin; whether you do the same thing or try new thing you will have experience accordingly.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both sides of the prompt and provides a personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For example, the explanation for why people prefer routine is repetitive, focusing heavily on the fear of disappointment without exploring other psychological or practical factors. The conclusion is also quite brief and lacks a summary of the main points discussed. To improve, you should aim to provide more depth in your arguments and ensure your opinion is more clearly integrated throughout the essay rather than just stated in the introduction and conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, and there is a logical progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'To elaborate on this', and 'To summarise'. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'people who do the same thing'. Improving the variety of your linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus would help the flow of the essay feel more natural and sophisticated.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic phrasing like 'try new things' and 'do the same things' repeatedly. While communication is clear, there is little evidence of less common lexical items or idiomatic expressions. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'novelty-seeking behavior', 'comfort zone', 'predictability', or 'adventurous spirit', rather than repeating simple phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'one who prefers' (should be 'those who prefer') and 'they will not just only get' (awkward phrasing). Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and word order. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining your use of complex sentence structures will help improve your accuracy and range.
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