Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-14

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 8.0)

In recent times, it has been noticed that many people spend most of their lives living in their hometowns. Personally, I believe that there are several advantages to living away from the place where one was born. However, some people argue that remaining in their hometown provides them with a greater sense of safety, comfort, and belonging. This essay will discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of living in one's native place.

One of the major advantages of living in one's hometown, whether it is a city or a village, is having family and friends nearby. They can provide emotional and practical support during difficult phases of life, meaning that people are less likely to feel isolated or lonely. Moreover, everyday life can be more convenient because individuals are familiar with most people and services in their local area. For instance, in small communities, shopkeepers, local workers, and residents often know one another personally, which can create a strong sense of trust and community. As a result, people may feel more comfortable and secure in their hometown than in an unfamiliar place.

On the other hand, living in a hometown can limit people's career and educational opportunities because of the relatively small number of jobs and institutions available. Small cities and towns often have fewer employment opportunities, particularly for people seeking highly specialised professions. Likewise, students may have to move elsewhere to pursue their desired fields of study, as their hometown may not have a suitable college or university offering the programme they are interested in. It is also well known that many renowned organisations and multinational companies are concentrated in major cities. By moving away from home, young individuals can therefore access better employment opportunities and potentially earn competitive salaries, which can help them achieve a higher standard of living.

In conclusion, living in one's hometown with family and friends can provide a strong sense of comfort, security, and belonging. Nevertheless, such places may have limited opportunities for higher education and employment. Therefore, although remaining in one's hometown has considerable personal benefits, I believe that living away from one's birthplace can be more advantageous, particularly for young people seeking better educational and career prospects.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for staying in a hometown (emotional support, convenience, familiarity) and provide a balanced discussion of the advantages and disadvantages. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the social benefits of staying and the professional limitations of doing so. The conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments and reinforces your personal stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'Nevertheless'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words like 'Moreover' and 'For instance' helps guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. The flow of the essay is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently logical, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. You use precise terms such as 'highly specialised professions', 'multinational companies', and 'competitive salaries' effectively. The language is natural and conveys your meaning clearly. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions to reach the highest band. However, the current range is flexible and allows for precise expression of your ideas without any noticeable errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although remaining in one's hometown has considerable personal benefits, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. Your writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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.