Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-23
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 have different preferences when it comes to their daily activities. While some individuals enjoy trying new experiences, such as visiting unfamiliar places or tasting different kinds of food, others feel more comfortable doing things they already know. In my opinion, although staying with familiar choices can provide comfort and security, trying new things is more beneficial overall.
On the one hand, many people prefer familiar experiences because they are comfortable and predictable. When people visit places they already know or eat food they have had before, they can avoid unexpected problems or disappointment. This can be particularly important for people who have busy lifestyles and do not want to spend time deciding whether a new experience will be enjoyable. For example, someone who regularly visits the same restaurant may choose their usual meal because they already know that they will enjoy it.
On the other hand, trying new things can provide valuable experiences and help people become more open-minded. Visiting different places allows individuals to learn about other cultures, while trying unfamiliar food can introduce them to new tastes and traditions. Moreover, new experiences can help people become more confident because they have to adapt to unfamiliar situations. For instance, a person who travels to a new city may discover interesting places and develop a better understanding of the local culture.
In my view, people should be willing to try new things from time to time. Although familiar choices are convenient and reassuring, constantly avoiding new experiences can limit people's opportunities to learn and grow. Therefore, I believe that maintaining a balance between familiar activities and new experiences is the best approach.
In conclusion, some people prefer familiar activities because they offer comfort and predictability, whereas others enjoy new experiences because they provide opportunities for learning and personal growth. I believe that trying new things is more beneficial, provided that people also maintain some familiar routines.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both attitudes and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the comfort of predictability and the growth associated with new experiences. The structure is logical, moving from the benefits of familiarity to the advantages of novelty, followed by a balanced conclusion. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, nuanced examples beyond general statements about restaurants or travel to further demonstrate depth of thought.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout. The logical structure ensures that the reader can easily follow the writer's line of reasoning from the introduction to the final conclusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific language such as 'predictable', 'open-minded', 'adapt', and 'reassuring'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or idiomatic flair that would characterize a band 8 or 9. The word choices are generally safe and functional. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more precise collocations or less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although familiar choices are convenient...'). The writing is largely error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over grammar is consistent, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The range of structures is adequate, though further variety in sentence length and complexity could elevate the score further.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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