Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-24

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)

People have different attitudes towards trying new experiences. While some enjoy exploring new places, tasting different foods, and seeking adventure, others prefer familiar routines because they provide comfort and security. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before explaining why I believe a balance between the two is the best approach.

On the one hand, many people enjoy trying new things because it broadens their knowledge and makes life more interesting. Travelling to new destinations allows people to experience different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Similarly, trying new cuisines can introduce them to unique flavours and cooking styles. These experiences often improve confidence, encourage personal growth, and create lasting memories. For example, someone who travels to Japan may learn about its customs while enjoying authentic Japanese food, making the trip both educational and enjoyable.

On the other hand, some people prefer familiar activities because they value stability and predictability. Visiting the same holiday destinations or eating familiar meals reduces the risk of disappointment and helps people feel comfortable. In addition, individuals with busy schedules may not have the time or desire to experiment with new experiences. For instance, many families choose to revisit the same beach resort each year because they already know the location, accommodation, and facilities.

In my opinion, trying new things is generally more beneficial because it helps people develop new skills, become more open-minded, and adapt to different situations. However, this does not mean that familiar routines are unimportant. Maintaining certain routines provides a sense of security and balance in everyday life. Therefore, combining new experiences with familiar habits is the most sensible approach.

In conclusion, although some people prefer the comfort of familiar activities, others enjoy exploring new experiences. I believe that embracing new opportunities while maintaining a few familiar routines allows people to enjoy both personal growth and stability.

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 keeping familiar routines, and provides a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The introduction clearly outlines the structure, and the body paragraphs logically extend and support ideas with relevant examples, such as travelling to Japan and revisiting beach resorts. The conclusion succinctly synthesises the arguments without merely repeating them. Ideas are well-developed, showing a thorough engagement with the prompt. The requirements of the task are completely met in terms of content and argumentation, deserving a strong band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-defined introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing each viewpoint, a specific personal opinion paragraph, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Similarly', and 'Therefore', which guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure is clear and easy to follow without any mechanical or awkward transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'broadens their knowledge', 'predictability', 'open-minded', and 'sense of security'. Word choice is generally natural and precise, allowing the writer to convey complex ideas clearly. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary is slightly less sophisticated or varied compared to what is expected at Band 8, placing this submission comfortably within the Band 7 range due to its functional precision and natural phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and participial clauses like 'While some enjoy exploring new experiences...' and 'Visiting the same holiday destinations or eating familiar meals reduces the risk...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control and punctuation accuracy. Errors are virtually absent, and the minor complexities attempted are handled securely. The balance of simple and complex forms is well-maintained, ensuring that communication is never impeded. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for a high band.

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.