Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people spend most of their lives living close to where they were born.

What might be the reasons for this?

What are the advantages and disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Some people spend most of their lives living close to the place where they were born. There are several reasons for this choice, including strong family connections, financial considerations, and a sense of comfort and belonging. Although staying in one area can provide many benefits, it can also limit people's opportunities and experiences.

One major reason why people prefer to remain near their birthplace is their connection with family and friends. Many people want to stay close to their parents, relatives, and childhood friends, particularly when they have responsibilities such as caring for elderly family members. Another reason is financial stability. Moving to another city or country can be expensive, and finding suitable employment and accommodation may be difficult. In addition, people who have established careers, homes, and social networks in their hometown may feel that there is little reason to move elsewhere.

Living close to where a person was born has several advantages. First, people usually have a strong support network, which can provide emotional and practical assistance during difficult times. They are also familiar with the local community, culture, transportation, and services, making everyday life more comfortable. For example, someone who has lived in the same town for many years may have reliable relationships with neighbour, colleagues, and local businesses. Furthermore, staying in one place can provide a greater sense of stability, especially for families with children.

However, there are also some disadvantages. The most significant one is that people may have fewer career and educational opportunities. Large cities or other countries may offer better-paying jobs, Specialised education, and greater professional growth. Staying in the same area can also reduce people's exposure to different cultures and lifestyles. As a result, they may become less adaptable to change or find it more difficult to develop new perspectives. For instance, a young person who never leaves a small town might miss opportunities to study or work in a larger city.

In conclusion, people often remain close to their birthplace because of family responsibilities, financial security, and their attachment to their community. While this lifestyle offers stability, familiarity, and strong social support, it may also restrict career opportunities and personal development. Therefore, people should consider both their personal circumstances and their future goals when deciding whether to remain in their hometown or move elsewhere.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the reasons for staying near one's birthplace (family, finance, comfort) and provided a balanced discussion of the advantages and disadvantages. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of caring for elderly relatives and the potential for limited professional growth in smaller towns. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The response is comprehensive and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition,' 'Furthermore,' 'However,' and 'As a result.' The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'strong support network,' 'financial stability,' and 'professional growth' are used accurately. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is generally successful. While there is a minor error ('neighbour' instead of 'neighbours'), it does not impede communication. The vocabulary is precise enough to convey your ideas effectively, though incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions could elevate the score further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although staying in one area can provide many benefits...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are very occasional slips, such as the pluralization error in 'reliable relationships with neighbour,' but these are non-systematic and do not affect the clarity of your writing. The grammatical control is consistent and supports the overall quality of the response.

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