Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-17
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 7.0)
The debate over whether people should embrace unfamiliar experiences or continue with familiar practices is contentious. While some people are eager to experiment with new things because they are adventurous, others prefer sticking to established routines and familiar places because these provide stability in their lives. Although maintaining familiar routines can provide comfort and stability, I believe embracing novelty can add excitement to life.
On the one hand, proponents of novelty maintain that exploring new experiences, such as visiting unfamiliar places and trying different types of food, can bring adventure into people's lives. It is a constructive way to esccape the monotony of daily life and rekindle fading relationships. Furthermore, travelling to new destinations and sampling different cuisines can broaden people's knowledge and enrich their life experiences. For example, travelling to a new country can provide an opportunity to gain insight into a different culture while creating memorable experiences.
On the other hand, supporters of familiarity argue that stability is highly important in life. Given the uncertainity that people often face, following familiar routines and visiting known places can provide a sense of comfort and peace. For instance, after a demanding week, people may order their favourite comfort food at the weekend because they know what to expect and therefore avoid unnecessary surprises. Some individuals, particularly older people, may also feel more comfortable with well-established routines and practices. Thus, familiar places, foods and activities can provide peace of mind in otherwise stressful lives.
In conclusion, although familiar things can offer comfort and stability, trying new experiences can alleviate daily boredom, rejuvenate fading relationships and increase cultural awareness. Therefore, I believe people should make greater efforts to explore unfamiliar experiences regularly in order to cultivate a greater sense of excitement.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both the attitude of preferring familiarity and the perspective of embracing novelty, while clearly stating a personal opinion throughout. For example, the introduction outlines both viewpoints and takes a stance, which is further developed in the body paragraphs with relevant supporting arguments and examples. The first body paragraph explores how trying new experiences can alleviate daily monotony and broaden knowledge, while the second acknowledges the benefits of comfort and stability. The conclusion neatly ties the ideas together. The position is well-maintained and ideas are sufficiently extended, satisfying the descriptors for Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing each side of the argument, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, ensuring that the argument flows naturally. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 descriptors for coherence and cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, allowing them to discuss the topic effectively. Less common lexical items such as 'monotony', 'rekindle', 'demanding', and 'cultivate' are deployed with a good awareness of style and collocation. However, there is a minor spelling slip in the second paragraph ('esccape' instead of 'escape') and occasional reliance on more standard vocabulary choices. Overall, the lexical range is adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, meriting a solid Band 7.0 score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, demonstrating sound grammatical control. Examples of successful complex constructions include subordinate clauses ('While some people are eager to experiment...', 'Given the uncertainty that people often face...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is managed well throughout the response. A minor typographical or spelling flaw ('uncertainity') appears, but this does not detract from the overall high accuracy and variety of sentence forms. This level of grammatical control fits the Band 7.0 criteria well.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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