Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-26

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 8.5)

There is a notable dichotomy in the preferences of individuals regarding their proclivity for experiencing new things. While some are firmly grounded in their comfort zones, others find joy in exploring the unfamiliar. This essay aims to delineate both stances and provide a personal standpoint.

Adherents of familiarity and routine derive a sense of security and contentment from their established practices and surroundings. They opine that familiarity fosters predictability and stability in their lives. Although this perspective has its merits, it may hinder individuals from relishing new flavors and experiences. For example, those who shy away from trying different cuisines might miss out on the diverse gastronomic pleasures offered by various cultures. Furthermore, individuals who adhere to familiarity might inadvertently confine themselves to a mundane existence, devoid of the enriching experiences brought about by novelty.

Conversely, there are individuals who actively seek out challenges, embrace risks, and venture into uncharted territories to broaden their horizons. These individuals exhibit a proclivity for traveling to different destinations, sampling diverse cuisines, partaking in adventurous activities, and exploring various career paths. For instance, my partner and I recently encountered a setback while navigating through an unfamiliar locale during our travels. Initially disheartened, we were pleasantly surprised by the altruistic assistance rendered by the locals, which not only salvaged our trip but also instilled in us the confidence to embrace future explorations with aplomb.

In my estimation, both dispositions have their inherent virtues and are contingent upon individual predilections and circumstances. However, personally, I am inclined towards embracing novel experiences, surmounting challenges, and embarking on adventures. I firmly believe that such pursuits not only engender opportunities but also imbue life with greater significance.

In summation, holding steadfast to familiar pursuits harbors minimal risks but lacks the thrill of adventure and substantial rewards. Conversely, venturing into unexplored terrain entails substantial risks but often culminates in a more gratifying and enriching existence.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both attitudes—the preference for familiarity and the desire for novelty—and provided a distinct personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the security of routine and the growth associated with exploration. The inclusion of a personal anecdote about a travel setback effectively supports your argument for embracing new experiences. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion synthesizes the arguments well. To reach the highest band, you could further expand on the potential downsides of constant novelty, such as the lack of deep-rooted community or the exhaustion that can come from perpetual change, to provide a more nuanced balance.

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 the two viewpoints is smooth, aided by effective cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'Furthermore', and 'In summation'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The structure is sophisticated, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor over-used, which demonstrates a high level of control over the discourse.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. The use of terms such as 'dichotomy', 'proclivity', 'gastronomic', 'altruistic', and 'aplomb' is precise and adds significant depth to your writing. The collocations are natural, and there is a clear awareness of style and register. You successfully avoid repetition by using varied synonyms. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high-band performance, as you are able to convey nuanced meanings with ease and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use complex structures naturally without forcing them, which enhances the readability of the text. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The accuracy is consistent throughout, and the variety of structures used demonstrates a high level of proficiency and flexibility in your writing.

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

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