Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-11
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)
People have different attitudes towards trying unfamiliar things. While some individuals enjoy exploring new places, tasting different foods and experiencing unfamiliar activities, others feel more comfortable following established routines. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe trying new things is generally more beneficial.
On the one hand, trying new things can be an enriching and educational experience. Visiting unfamiliar places, for example, allows people to encounter different cultures, lifestyles and traditions, which can broaden their horizons and make them more open-minded. Similarly, experimenting with different types of food can encourage people to appreciate other cultures and discover new preferences. Furthermore, stepping outside one's comfort zone can help individuals develop confidence and adaptability. For instance, someone who regularly travels to unfamiliar destinations may gradually become better at dealing with unexpected situations.
On the other hand, there are several reasons why people prefer familiar activities. First, routines provide a sense of security and reduce the stress associated with uncertainty. A person who frequently eats at the same restaurant, for example, already knows that they enjoy the food and can expect good service. In addition, people with demanding jobs or busy family lives may simply prefer spending their limited free time doing activities they already know they enjoy. Trying something completely new can also be disappointing, expensive or inconvenient.
In my view, although familiar routines are important for comfort and stability, people should make an effort to embrace new experiences from time to time. New activities can break the monotony of everyday life and provide opportunities for personal growth. However, this does not mean abandoning familiar habits altogether. A healthy balance between novelty and familiarity is likely to provide both enjoyment and security.
In conclusion, while some people value the comfort and predictability of familiar activities, others are attracted to the learning opportunities offered by new experiences. I believe that trying new things is more rewarding overall, provided that people maintain a reasonable balance with their established routines.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both attitudes—the preference for novelty and the preference for familiarity—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly in the body paragraphs where you provide logical reasons for each perspective, such as the 'sense of security' provided by routines versus the 'personal growth' gained from new experiences. The conclusion effectively synthesizes these points while maintaining your stance. The response is balanced, relevant, and meets all requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent, with supporting examples following the main points. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different perspectives and your own opinion, making the text easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'broaden their horizons,' 'stepping outside one's comfort zone,' and 'break the monotony' are used naturally and effectively. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations, but the current level is strong and conveys your meaning clearly without any errors in word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'While' clauses and conditional structures ('provided that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent throughout the text. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is characteristic of a strong performance in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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