Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-22
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 approach life choices differently; some enthusiastically seek out unfamiliar cuisines and travel destinations, while others find contentment in repeating familiar routines. While sticking to known habits provides unmatched psychological comfort, I believe that actively trying new things is far more beneficial as it promotes personal growth and expands one's worldview.
On the one hand, there are distinct advantages to staying with what is familiar. The primary benefit is the reduction of daily stress and decision fatigue. When individuals frequent the same restaurants or holiday spots, they eliminate the risk of disappointment because they already know what to expect. This consistency creates a safe haven that protects people from the anxieties of the unknown. For example, after a high-pressure work week, many people prefer to order their favorite comfort food rather than risk trying an exotic dish that they might dislike. Therefore, familiarity ensures emotional stability and guaranteed satisfaction.
On the other hand, embracing novelty is essential for cognitive development and cultural enrichment. Exploring unfamiliar places and stepping outside of one's comfort zone forces the brain to adapt, which sharpens problem-solving skills and builds resilience. Furthermore, sampling international foods and interacting with diverse cultures fosters deep empathy and eliminates narrow-minded stereotypes. A person who travels to a completely different country, for instance, learns to appreciate alternative ways of living, which builds a well-rounded and sophisticated perspective on the world.
In my opinion, while familiar routines offer a comforting emotional anchor, a life spent solely within one's comfort zone leads to intellectual stagnation. Real personal growth only happens when we challenge ourselves with the unfamiliar.
In conclusion, although sticking to the known ensures a peaceful and predictable life, the pursuit of new experiences is ultimately superior. It keeps the mind active, enriches personal character, and allows individuals to live a much more fulfilling and adventurous life.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both attitudes—the preference for familiarity and the benefits of trying new things—and provided a distinct personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, with logical explanations for why people might choose routine (e.g., 'reduction of daily stress') versus novelty (e.g., 'cognitive development'). The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of comfort food versus international travel. The essay is balanced and effectively structured to meet the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective signposting phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'Furthermore', 'Therefore', and 'In conclusion'. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a personal opinion section, and a conclusion. The flow of ideas is seamless, making the argument easy to follow and persuasive.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'decision fatigue', 'cognitive development', 'intellectual stagnation', and 'emotional anchor' show a high level of lexical control and precision. The word choices are natural and contextually appropriate, contributing to a formal and academic tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used is varied enough to avoid repetition while maintaining clarity throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses, relative clauses, and well-constructed compound-complex sentences. The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is excellent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical maturity suitable for an advanced level of English proficiency.
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