Trying New Things vs Sticking to Familiar Routines

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.

Annotated response

7 correction notes

Showing 7 correction notes.

We can broadly categorise people into two main segments: the first segment of people are comfortable with living in the same place, eating the same types of food, having a career that involves and taking almost no risks, while others are completely the meaning of life through risks and challenges and are not afraid of trying new things. This essay will explore both perspectives. Personally, I like to take risks, face challenges and enjoy the diversity of the world through travelling and favour the second group of people.

People who avoid challenges or scarcely try new things are comfortable with the lifestyle they already have. They do not want to make life complicated by taking on new challenges that might bring misery or dissatisfaction to their life. Such people are often with whatever they have and wish to stay in their comfort zone. Since they are afraid of failure, their success is also limited. We can see many people around us who , who, despite seeing potential in a new career, never dare to change their existing job or even detest the idea of trying new food.

On the other hand, there are people who believe that change is constant and that taking on challenges is something that makes life thrilling and enjoyable. They embrace new ideas, travel to difficult places, try new food, experience diversity of life and culture, and get easily bored doing the same thing . These people take risks that bring success. But such success is not always guaranteed as failure can also befall them. I also know such people, and I consider myself one of them. They are often the , builders and creators of new things and ideas. For instance, despite having a good job in a multinational company, one of my cousins started a boutique business. No one initially supported his move, but now he is so successful that many others cite him as an example of success.

In conclusion, being in the comfort zone, doing familiar things and taking minimal risks may guarantee and great inventions and ideas come from taking risks and embracing challenges. I am always in favour of the second type of attitude that makes life worth living.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The response fully addresses the task, discussing both attitudes with a clearly stated personal opinion supported by a relevant extended example. The main limitation is occasional imprecision in word choice and a tendency toward broad generalisation rather than deeper analysis of either attitude.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Response

7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, presents a clear and consistent opinion, and develops each attitude with explanation and a relevant example, though some supporting points remain general.

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas progress logically across well-organised paragraphs with effective use of cohesive devices, although some transitions and referencing are slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource

7.0

A good range of vocabulary is used with some flexibility (e.g. 'trailblazer', 'befall', 'comfort zone'), though occasional errors such as 'contended' for 'content' reduce precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.0

A variety of complex structures is used with generally good control, and most sentences are error-free, with only minor slips in agreement and phrasing.