Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-18

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)

Some people are naturally drawn to new experiences, such as visiting unfamiliar places or sampling different types of food, whereas others feel more comfortable with activities and choices they already know. While both attitudes have their merits, I believe that trying new things is generally more beneficial because it broadens people's experiences and helps them develop personally.

On the one hand, people who enjoy trying new things are often motivated by curiosity and a desire to experience life more fully. Exploring unfamiliar places, for instance, can expose individuals to different cultures, traditions and ways of living. Similarly, trying different cuisines can introduce people to new flavours and encourage them to become more open-minded. In addition, regularly experiencing new activities can prevent life from becoming monotonous and may help people discover interests or talents they did not previously know they had. For example, someone who decides to take up hiking or learn a new type of cooking may develop a long-term hobby as a result.

On the other hand, many people prefer to stick to things with which they are familiar because this provides a sense of comfort and predictability. When people visit a familiar restaurant or return to a place they already know, they can be confident about what to expect and are less likely to have a disappointing experience. This attitude can also be particularly appealing to people with busy lifestyles, as familiar routines require less time and effort. For instance, a person who has a favourite restaurant may continue visiting it because they already know that the food and service meet their expectations.

In my view, although familiarity offers comfort and reduces uncertainty, people should be willing to step outside their comfort zones from time to time. New experiences can provide valuable knowledge, create memorable experiences and contribute to personal growth. Therefore, I believe that maintaining some familiar routines while remaining open to new experiences is the most practical approach.

Overall, both attitudes are understandable: familiarity offers security and convenience, while trying new things provides opportunities for learning and personal development. A balance between the two can allow people to enjoy the benefits of stability without missing out on valuable new experiences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both attitudes towards new versus familiar experiences and providing a clear, well-supported personal position throughout. In the introduction, the writer clearly states their view that trying new things is generally more beneficial. This position is maintained and reinforced in the conclusion. Both body paragraphs effectively explore the respective viewpoints with relevant examples, such as exploring unfamiliar cultures or visiting a familiar restaurant. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations, aligning closely with the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs examining both sides, and concluding with a synthesis of ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Similarly', and 'In my view' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay flows smoothly from one point to the next without any noticeable lapses in cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and natural range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision, such as 'monotonous', 'predictability', 'open-minded', and 'comfort zones'. Less common lexical items are employed appropriately with good awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'expose individuals to different cultures' and 'busy lifestyles'. Word choices are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout, supporting smooth and clear communication. Minor limitations prevent it from reaching the highest bands, but the performance easily meets Band 7 standards.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writer showcases a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or participial elements, while maintaining a high proportion of error-free sentences. Examples such as 'When people visit a familiar restaurant or return to a place they already know, they can be confident about what to expect' demonstrate strong control over complex grammar. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation errors are virtually absent. The majority of sentences are error-free, with only rare, non-systematic slips, reflecting solid Band 8 control.

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

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