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)

It has been noticed that some people enjoy experiencing different things in life, such as trying various cuisines and exploring unfamiliar landscapes, whereas others prefer to stick to things with which they are familiar and comfortable. From my perspective, it is always better to try new experiences because doing so helps individuals gain unique experiences and broaden their horizons.

To commence with, experiencing the same things repeatedly may not only lead to boredom but also limit people's knowledge and understanding of the world. Visiting the same place every year for a vacation and eating the same type of food can restrict an individual's adaptability and appreciation of other cultures and their people. In some cases, this lack of exposure may even contribute to prejudice against other communities, as people may never get an opportunity to understand their traditions, values and ways of life. For instance, individuals who migrate to culturally diverse countries from isolated areas may find it significantly difficult to adapt to differences in food, language and social values because they have never travelled or experienced such environments before.

On the other hand, individuals who are open to trying new experiences and cuisines are more likely to develop a broader perspective and a better understanding of other cultures, lifestyles and values. Such individuals may also have greater opportunities for success in both their personal and professional lives because they can stand out from the crowd through their knowledge, experiences and adaptability. Likewise, travelling to different destinations can help people develop valuable life skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking and interpersonal skills. For example, dealing with unfamiliar situations while travelling can teach individuals how to make decisions independently and communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.

To sum up, being rigid and avoiding new experiences can lead to limited knowledge and may negatively affect an individual's ability to adapt to different circumstances. I firmly believe that people should develop an adaptable nature by trying new activities, exploring unfamiliar places and experiencing different cultures. By doing so, they can broaden their horizons while enhancing their knowledge, confidence and life skills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both attitudes—those who prefer familiarity and those who seek new experiences—and clearly stated your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of migration and the development of life skills like critical thinking. The position is consistent throughout the essay. The arguments are logically extended, and the response demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements. To reach a higher band, you could further nuance the discussion by acknowledging the potential benefits of familiarity (e.g., stability or reduced stress) before refuting them, which would add even more depth to your analysis.

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. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To commence with', 'On the other hand', and 'Likewise', which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words. The structure is coherent and supports the overall argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use less common items such as 'broaden their horizons', 'culturally diverse', 'adaptability', and 'stand out from the crowd' with precision. The word choice is generally natural and contributes to the clarity of your writing. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated, academic collocations could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and relative clauses (e.g., 'individuals who migrate...', 'because they have never travelled...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no major errors that cause confusion or impede understanding. The grammatical range is sufficient to express complex ideas clearly. To improve, ensure that you maintain this high level of accuracy even when attempting more complex, multi-clause sentences, as occasional minor slips can occur in more intricate structures.

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