Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say it is important to keep your home and your workplace tidy, with everything organised and in the correct place.

What is your opinion about this?

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Band 9 Model Essay — Discuss Both Views and Give Opinion

People differ considerably in how they approach novelty in life, some actively seek out new experiences, such as unfamiliar destinations or cuisines, while others prefer the comfort of familiar routines. Both attitudes carry distinct merits, and in my view, the ideal approach lies in balancing the two rather than favouring one exclusively.

There are clear advantages to maintaining familiar habits. Repeating activities one already knows allows for deeper focus and enjoyment, since the absence of uncertainty frees the mind to engage more fully with the experience itself. Familiarity also provides a valuable source of comfort, particularly during difficult periods; returning to well-known routines, whether watching a favourite film, visiting a familiar place, or eating a preferred meal, offers a sense of stability precisely because it requires no adjustment. Many people, for instance, prepare the same breakfast every morning, which allows them to conserve mental energy for more demanding tasks later in the day rather than expending it on unnecessary decisions.

However, an overreliance on familiar routines can also constrain personal growth. Consistently avoiding new experiences may function as a form of escape from discomfort rather than a genuine preference, and this avoidance can prevent individuals from developing resilience or adaptability. Trying something unfamiliar, whether a new cuisine, an unvisited destination, or an unpracticed skill, often generates initial discomfort precisely because it falls outside one's existing understanding. Yet this discomfort is frequently the mechanism through which learning and personal development occur, since growth typically demands stepping beyond what is already known and mastered.

In my opinion, both attitudes hold genuine value, and the most fulfilling approach is one that balances the two. Familiarity provides the stability and comfort necessary for daily functioning, while deliberate exposure to new experiences fosters growth and broadens one's perspective. Rather than treating these attitudes as opposing choices, individuals are better served by cultivating both within their lives.

In conclusion, while familiar routines offer comfort and focus, and novel experiences drive growth and learning, neither should be pursued to the total exclusion of the other. A balanced life, incorporating both stability and openness to change, ultimately serves individuals best.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay is completely off-topic. The prompt specifically asks for an opinion on the importance of keeping one's home and workplace tidy and organized. The student has instead written a high-quality essay about the merits of novelty versus routine. Because the response fails to address the prompt entirely, it cannot be assessed for task achievement in relation to the specific question asked. While the writing itself is sophisticated and well-developed, it does not fulfill the requirements of the task provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is exceptionally well-structured. Each paragraph follows a logical progression, with clear topic sentences and supporting arguments. Cohesive devices such as 'however', 'for instance', and 'in conclusion' are used naturally and effectively to link ideas. The paragraphing is skillful, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that explore different facets of the argument, and a concise conclusion. Despite the essay being off-topic, the internal coherence and the flow of ideas are at a very high level, demonstrating a strong command of academic writing structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

The vocabulary is sophisticated, precise, and used with a high degree of naturalness. The student employs a wide range of academic collocations and nuanced expressions, such as 'conserve mental energy', 'overreliance', 'genuinely value', and 'total exclusion'. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the lexical range is clearly indicative of a high-level user. The language is varied and contributes significantly to the clarity and impact of the arguments presented.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. The sentence construction is varied, incorporating subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and precise punctuation. There are no grammatical errors, and the control over tense, aspect, and modality is excellent. The writing is error-free, reflecting a level of grammatical mastery that is consistent with the highest band descriptors.

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