Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The debate over whether people should embrace unfamiliar experiences or stick to familiar practices is contentious. While some prefer established routines for stability, others enjoy experimenting with new things. In my view, embracing novelty is more beneficial because it adds excitement, broadens perspectives and enriches life experiences.

On the one hand, trying new things can bring adventure and variety to people’s lives. Visiting unfamiliar places, tasting different cuisines and participating in new activities can help individuals escape the monotony of their daily routines. Such experiences can also strengthen relationships because shared adventures often create memorable moments. Furthermore, travelling to different countries exposes people to new cultures and traditions, which can broaden their understanding of the world. For example, someone who visits India may experience its diverse cuisine, festivals and customs, gaining valuable insights that cannot be acquired solely through books or media. Therefore, embracing novelty can contribute to both personal enjoyment and cultural awareness.

On the other hand, familiar routines can provide people with a valuable sense of comfort and security. After dealing with considerable pressure at work, for instance, an individual may prefer visiting a favourite restaurant and ordering a familiar meal rather than taking a risk with an unfamiliar dish. This predictability can reduce stress and provide peace of mind. Older people, in particular, may feel more comfortable following established routines and visiting familiar places. Nevertheless, excessive reliance on familiar practices can make life monotonous and reduce opportunities for personal growth.

In conclusion, although familiar routines can provide comfort and stability, I believe that embracing new experiences is more beneficial overall. Exploring unfamiliar places, activities and cultures can reduce boredom, strengthen relationships and broaden people’s perspectives. Therefore, individuals should regularly step outside their comfort zones while retaining familiar practices when they genuinely provide reassurance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both attitudes towards trying new things versus sticking to familiar routines and clearly stating a personal position. The writer introduces the topic well in the introduction, stating that 'embracing novelty is more beneficial.' Body paragraph one explores the advantages of new experiences, offering relevant examples such as visiting India to experience diverse cuisine and festivals. Body paragraph two examines the counter-perspective, noting how familiar routines provide comfort, reduce stress, and benefit older individuals. The conclusion neatly ties these ideas together. Ideas are well-developed and supported with appropriate examples throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong command of task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally to guide the reader through the arguments, as seen with transition markers like 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Furthermore.' Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing and substitution are managed well, ensuring that the relationships between ideas remain transparent throughout the response. The overall flow is smooth and unobtrusive, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource that is well-suited to the task. Less common vocabulary items are used effectively and naturally, such as 'contentious,' 'monotony,' 'predictability,' and 'reassurance.' Collocations are generally accurate, as shown in phrases like 'escape the monotony,' 'broaden their understanding,' and 'step outside their comfort zones.' There are only occasional minor lexical slips, but overall the vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively, satisfying the requirements for an upper-intermediate to advanced lexical level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully incorporating both simple and complex sentences. The writer uses conditional and subordinate clauses accurately, such as in the sentence 'After dealing with considerable pressure at work, for instance, an individual may prefer visiting a favourite restaurant...' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of control. Minor slips are extremely rare and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control demonstrated throughout the response comfortably aligns with the descriptor for Band 8.

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