Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-06
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 differing views regarding how they approach new experiences. While some individuals thrive on novelty by seeking out unfamiliar destinations and cuisines, others prefer the comfort and reliability of sticking to familiar routines. In my opinion, while adhering to the known offers stability and peace of mind, embracing new experiences is far more valuable as it fosters personal growth and broadens one's perspective.
On the one hand, preferring familiarity provides psychological comfort and guarantees satisfaction. When people visit places they already know or order dishes they have tried before, they eliminate the risk of disappointment, financial loss, or stress. For instance, busy professionals who have limited vacation time often return to the same holiday resorts because they know the accommodation, service, and environment will meet their expectations. Furthermore, routine reduces "decision fatigue," allowing individuals to conserve mental energy for more pressing daily responsibilities. Therefore, sticking to familiar choices serves as a practical coping mechanism in an increasingly unpredictable world.
On the other hand, actively seeking out new foods and destinations significantly enriches a person's life. Exposure to unfamiliar environments forces individuals out of their comfort zones, which enhances adaptability, problem-solving skills, and resilience. For example, traveling to a country with a different language and culture requires navigating novel situations, ultimately boosting self-confidence. Moreover, trying local dishes and exploring different traditions helps foster cultural empathy and open-mindedness, breaking down stereotypes that often stem from isolation and routine.
In conclusion, while sticking to familiar habits offers unquestionable security and convenience, I believe that actively trying new things is ultimately more beneficial. Embracing novel experiences prevents stagnation, enriches one's life with diverse memories, and plays a crucial role in personal development.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both attitudes—the preference for familiarity and the benefits of novelty—and provided a strong, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as 'busy professionals' and 'traveling to a country with a different language' to support your arguments. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained logically until the conclusion. The response is balanced, providing a thoughtful exploration of why people choose both paths before justifying your preference for novelty.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
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, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate, ensuring the reader can follow your argument without effort. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clearly established, meeting the criteria for a high band score in this category.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. You use sophisticated collocations and topic-specific language such as 'thrive on novelty,' 'decision fatigue,' 'coping mechanism,' and 'foster cultural empathy.' The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the text. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language is consistently appropriate for an academic or formal context. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with ease and precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high. Your command of tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the piece, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.