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.

Same questionCompare 4 different answers (Band 5.5–8)

Sample Response

1

In life, individuals adopt different approaches toward experiences and choiceswhen it comes to experiences and choices. Some people actively seek new experiencesseek out new adventures, such as visiting unfamiliar destinations or experimenting with unfamiliardiverse cuisines, while others find comfort in sticking to familiar routines. This essay will explore both perspectives before arguing that while new experiences can be rewarding, familiarity often provides a greater sense of stability and peace of mind.

2

Those who embrace novelty do so for several compelling reasons. FirstFirstly, trying new things fosters personal growth and broadens one’s perspective. Exposure to different cultures, foods, and environments enhances adaptability and understanding. For instance, individuals who travel to otherforeign countries gain insights into varieddifferent ways of life, which helps them become more open-minded. Secondly, new experiences add excitement and variety to life, preventing boredom. Engaging in varieddifferent activities, such as learning a new language or pursuing an unfamiliar hobby, provides mental stimulationstimulates the brain and improves cognitive abilities.

3

However, many individuals prefer the security of familiar experiences, as they offer predictability and comfort. One key reason is that familiarity reduces anxiety and stress. People often find reassurance in routine activities, as they know what to expect. For example, someone who visits the same holiday destination every year may do so because they feel at ease in a known environment. Additionally, avoiding unfamiliar experiences minimizes risks. Trying new foods, for instance, may lead to allergic reactions or digestive discomfort, while travellingdigestive discomfort while travelling to unfamiliarunknown places carries the potential for logistical challenges and safety concerns. A person who avoids these uncertainties can maintain a more stable and worry-free lifestyle.

4

To conclude, while trying new things has undeniable benefits, I believe that the sense of security provided by familiar experiences is often preferableis often a preferred choice. The risks associated with new experiences, whether financial, emotional, or physical, can cause stresscan be stressful. Familiarity, on the other hand, fosters a sense of belonging and emotional stability, which are crucial for overall well-being.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response fully covers both attitudes, sustains a clear preference for familiarity, and develops each side with relevant explanations and examples in a polished, easy-to-follow structure. Its main limitation is that the final preference rests on fairly general risk claims and introduces belonging without prior development; the best refinement would be to compare the relative value of stability and novelty more critically and keep the conclusion tightly anchored to points established in the body.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

8.0
Scoring rule

Both attitudes are directly and evenly discussed, and a clear personal preference is maintained with relevant, well-developed support.

Next step

Refine the evaluation by weighing when the benefits of novelty might outweigh the security of familiar choices.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

The response is logically sequenced, well paragraphed, and cohesively managed, with ideas progressing naturally within and between paragraphs.

Next step

Make the conclusion even tighter by synthesising only the reasons developed in the body rather than introducing belonging.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is wide, precise, and well suited to the topic, with flexible phrasing and only isolated slight awkwardness.

Next step

Replace mildly generic evaluative wording with more exact language when comparing the strength of the two attitudes.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

A wide range of sentence forms is handled accurately and fluently, with only rare minor punctuation or phrasing lapses.

Next step

Polish coordination in longer sentences, especially by punctuating independent contrasts clearly.

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IELTS Writing Task 2

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.

Your response

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