Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-18
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 7.5)
People hold contrasting views regarding whether it is better to explore novel experiences or stick to familiar routines in daily choices such as cuisine and travel destinations. While remaining within one's comfort zone offers security, I believe seeking out new experiences leads to greater personal growth.
On the one hand, individuals who prefer familiar foods and destinations prioritize comfort and reliability. Trying unknown dishes or travelling to unfamiliar places carries a risk of disappointment or stress, especially if language barriers or unexpected tastes are involved. For example, holidaymakers who return to the same seaside resort annually can guarantee a relaxing environment without the hassle of unpredictable planning. Furthermore, sticking to familiar culinary choices ensures dietary satisfaction and avoids unnecessary expenditures on meals one might dislike.
On the other hand, actively seeking novelty broadens an individual's cultural and intellectual horizons. Exposing oneself to exotic cuisines introduces diverse flavour profiles, while visiting unfamiliar countries fosters adaptiveness and an appreciation for different traditions. For instance, tourists who venture beyond conventional routes often gain deeper insights into local lifestyles than those who stay in predictable tourist hubs. In my view, embracing novelty prevents life from becoming monotonous and builds resilience by encouraging people to navigate unfamiliar situations.
In conclusion, while staying with familiar places and foods offers peace of mind and convenience, I advocate for routinely trying new things. Stepping outside one's comfort zone ultimately enriches life experiences, deepens cultural awareness, and promotes personal development.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The essay addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both attitudes and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed and relevant. However, the response is 241 words long, failing to meet the 250-word minimum requirement. This under-length negatively impacts the task achievement score, as the development of ideas is slightly curtailed by the brevity. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph includes a more detailed illustrative example or a deeper analysis of the implications to comfortably exceed the word count threshold.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the writer uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In my view'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two contrasting viewpoints. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear throughout the text, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the topic. The writer uses a range of sophisticated items such as 'contrasting views', 'novel experiences', 'dietary satisfaction', and 'monotonous'. The collocations are natural, and there is a clear attempt to use less common vocabulary to convey nuanced meaning. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. The range is sufficient to allow for flexibility and precision in expressing complex ideas about personal preferences and growth.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('especially if language barriers... are involved') and participial phrases ('Exposing oneself to exotic cuisines...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate. The grammatical control is consistent throughout the piece, and the variety of structures used contributes to the overall readability and sophistication of the argument. There are no persistent errors that impede communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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