Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-14

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)

While some individuals actively seek out novelty in their daily choices, such as exploring unfamiliar destinations or experimenting with new cuisines, others prefer sticking to well-established habits and familiar environments. While adhering to routine provides comfort and stability, I believe that embracing new experiences is ultimately more beneficial for personal development and emotional growth.

On the one hand, there are compelling reasons why people prefer familiar experiences. Primarily, sticking to known routines minimizes risk and emotional discomfort. For instance, returning to a favorite holiday destination ensures a predictable, stress-free vacation without the fear of poor accommodation or disappointing service. Furthermore, relying on familiar choices conserves mental energy by reducing decision fatigue. When individuals know precisely what food to order or what routes to take, they save time and avoid unnecessary anxiety, allowing them to focus on work or relaxation.

On the other hand, actively pursuing new experiences offers profound intellectual and personal benefits. Engaging with unfamiliar cultures, foreign foods, or novel destinations broadens one’s perspective and breaks down cultural stereotypes. Trying different cuisines, for example, exposes people to distinct traditions and culinary history, fostering global awareness and tolerance. Additionally, stepping outside one's comfort zone builds adaptability and problem-solving skills. Navigating an unfamiliar city or dealing with unexpected situations builds self-confidence and resilience—qualities that are essential in an ever-changing world.

In conclusion, although maintaining familiar habits offers security and cognitive convenience, I strongly believe that seeking out new experiences is far more valuable. It enriches personal life, promotes lifelong learning, and builds essential life skills that routine alone cannot provide.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both attitudes—the preference for routine and the benefits of novelty—and provided a strong, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with logical reasoning provided for both perspectives. For example, you effectively contrast the 'cognitive convenience' of routine with the 'intellectual and personal benefits' of new experiences. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion reinforces your position effectively. The response is well-focused and meets all requirements of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. You also use linking words like 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your discussion. The flow of ideas is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'actively seek out novelty', 'well-established habits', 'conserves mental energy', and 'fostering global awareness' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also appropriate for the formal tone of an IELTS essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the use of less common items is natural and contributes to the overall clarity and impact of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While adhering to routine provides comfort and stability, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. You use a variety of sentence lengths and types, which keeps the writing engaging. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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