Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common. Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

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

Student answer (Band 7.0)

The notion that the expansion of online shopping will ultimately result in the closure of all physical shops in towns and cities is a complex and multifaceted issue. While there are undeniable shifts in consumer behavior, I disagree with the idea that traditional brick-and-mortar stores will disappear entirely.

Online shopping has undoubtedly revolutionized the retail landscape, offering convenience, a wide range of choices, and the ability to compare prices from the comfort of one’s home. However, physical stores still offer unique advantages that are difficult to replicate in the digital realm.

Firstly, the tactile experience of physically interacting with products before making a purchase remains an essential aspect of shopping for many individuals. For instance, clothes, furniture, and electronics often require physical examination to assess quality, size, and functionality. Additionally, traditional stores provide the immediate gratification of obtaining products immediately rather than waiting for deliveries.

Furthermore, brick-and-mortar shops contribute to the social fabric of communities. They serve as gathering places and foster a sense of local identity. Shopping districts and markets offer not only retail experiences but also cultural and social interactions, which cannot be replicated by online platforms.

While e-commerce has gained significant ground, certain sectors are inherently tied to physical locations. Services like dining, healthcare, entertainment, and personal care are examples of industries that necessitate face-to-face interactions and cannot be fully replaced by online transactions.

Personal experience validates the ongoing relevance of physical stores. Despite the convenience of online shopping, I find pleasure in browsing through local boutiques and markets, engaging in conversations with shopkeepers, and discovering unique items that are often absent from online platforms.

In conclusion, while the growth of online shopping has reshaped the retail landscape, the prediction that it will lead to the complete closure of all shops in towns and cities is unlikely. Traditional stores offer tangible benefits, foster community connections, and cater to sectors that rely on in-person interactions. It is more plausible that a symbiotic relationship will develop between online and physical retail, ensuring the coexistence of both shopping mediums.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 3.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of paying for things using mobile phone apps. However, your essay discusses the future of online shopping versus physical brick-and-mortar stores. Because you have failed to address the specific topic provided in the instructions, the task achievement score is significantly impacted. While the essay is well-written in terms of structure and language, it does not answer the question asked, which is a fundamental requirement for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Despite the off-topic content, the essay is very well-structured. You use clear paragraphing, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct point. There is a logical progression of ideas, and you make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Furthermore', 'In conclusion', and 'While e-commerce has gained significant ground'. The flow between sentences is smooth and natural, demonstrating a high level of control over the organization of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'retail landscape', 'tactile experience', 'social fabric', and 'symbiotic relationship' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to a formal, academic tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and your ability to use less common lexical items is impressive throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your control of grammar is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses, participial phrases, and well-managed subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While there are undeniable shifts in consumer behavior, I disagree...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There is a high degree of flexibility and accuracy in your grammatical construction.

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