Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-15

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 7.0)

Living your whole life in your birthplace has become a matter of considerable debate in contemporary society. While there are some merits and demerits to this, I believe that everyone should explore the world and try living in different areas. This essay will examine the key reasons behind this view and consider its broader implications.

One significant reason is that changing one's place of residence can influence individuals' physical condition and emotional state. This is largely because it may provide a refreshing environment and a change from the same daily routine. When this happens, individuals are more likely to feel comfortable and function effectively in their everyday lives. Furthermore, such changes can enhance their overall quality of life and reduce the boredom they may otherwise experience. For instance, moving to a new area can give people opportunities to experience different surroundings and activities. Consequently, these experiences can help individuals maintain a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.

However, it is equally important to acknowledge the opposing perspective. Those who support living in the same region argue that it can offer certain advantages. This is primarily because it may provide individuals with greater freedom and familiarity. For example, some may benefit from being close to their family members and long-term friends. Nevertheless, I would argue that these advantages need to be considered alongside the possible drawbacks, particularly when remaining in the same place limits opportunities to experience new environments.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments concerning changing one's place of residence after a certain period, I believe that it is a positive development. Ultimately, its consequences for individuals, communities and society as a whole should be carefully considered when determining the most appropriate approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the reasons why people stay in their birthplace and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. The writer maintains a clear position throughout, suggesting that exploring different areas is beneficial. However, the development of ideas leans somewhat into generalities rather than deeply exploring specific localized reasons, such as cultural attachment or economic constraints. Phrases like 'physical condition and emotional state' are somewhat broad. Nevertheless, all prompt requirements are met, and the position is consistent. This aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor, where all parts are addressed and a clear position is maintained.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear overall progression with a logical arrangement of ideas. The introduction sets up the essay effectively, and body paragraphs transition smoothly from discussing reasons for moving to the counter-perspective of staying. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'Furthermore,' 'For instance,' and 'Nevertheless,' avoiding overly mechanical links. Paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in the argument. Referencing is generally clear, as seen in 'This is largely because...' which links back to the previous sentence seamlessly. This performance fits the Band 7 criteria for logical organization and flexible use of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'contemporary society,' 'overall quality of life,' and 'opposing perspective' show a good control of standard collocations. Attempts at less common vocabulary are generally successful, though some expressions feel slightly repetitive or generic, such as 'physical condition and emotional state' and 'different surroundings and activities.' Spelling and word choice are accurate, ensuring communication is never impeded. The lexical range is sufficient for precision, placing the response solidly at Band 6.5 to 7.0; it is awarded a 6.5 due to the reliance on safe, somewhat conventional phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of complex and simple sentence structures. The student successfully employs subordinate clauses, such as 'While there are some merits and demerits to this, I believe that everyone should explore...' and 'When this happens, individuals are more likely to...'. Control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor infelicities do not impede communication at all. The grammatical range and accuracy reflect a solid Band 7 level, showing good control and a variety of complex structures with rare errors.

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