Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

It is better to buy just a few expensive clothes, rather than lots of cheaper clothes.

Do you agree or disagree?

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

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In recent years, people have started buying higher-quality clothes more often rather than purchasing large quantities of cheap attire. Although buying more clothes can provide a wider variety of designs, high-quality products tend to last longer, which can be more beneficial in the long run. I completely agree with this viewpoint, and this essay will discuss the reasons for my opinion.

To begin with, many local shops offer attractive deals on clothes, such as “buy one, get one free”, which encourages customers to purchase more items. These shops also offer a wide range of designs and fabrics, giving consumers plenty of options. For example, people can buy several items from shopping malls or local stores at discounted prices, which may give them satisfaction for a limited period of time. Another point worth considering is that purchasing clothes in bulk can save time because individuals do not need to go shopping frequently. If people buy sufficient clothing, they may not need to purchase new items for several years.

On the other hand, buying high-quality clothes from reputable brands can be a more economical choice in the long run. Although such clothes are generally more expensive, they are often made from durable fabrics and can withstand regular use for a longer period. In addition, some branded clothing comes with a warranty, which can provide customers with greater confidence in their purchase. For instance, a person who buys a good-quality jacket may be able to use it for several years without needing to replace it, whereas a cheaper jacket may lose its shape or quality after only a short period. Therefore, investing in durable clothing can reduce the need for frequent replacements and ultimately save money.

In conclusion, although purchasing a large number of inexpensive clothes can offer greater variety and attractive discounts, I believe that buying high-quality clothing is a better choice. Durable clothes can last longer, reduce unnecessary purchases and provide better value for money in the long term.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have clearly addressed all parts of the prompt, maintaining a consistent position throughout the essay. Your arguments are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the short-term satisfaction of cheap clothing and the long-term economic and practical benefits of durable items. You provided relevant examples, such as the 'buy one, get one free' strategy and the comparison of a jacket's longevity, which effectively support your claims. The response is balanced, acknowledging the counter-argument before refuting it, which demonstrates a good level of critical thinking. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your ideas by discussing the environmental impact of 'fast fashion' versus 'slow fashion' to add more depth to your reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Therefore,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow between the counter-argument in the second paragraph and your main argument in the third paragraph is handled well. The structure is coherent throughout, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'reputable brands,' 'durable fabrics,' and 'economical choice' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and show an ability to use topic-specific terminology. While your vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions, such as 'cost-effective,' 'consumerist culture,' or 'planned obsolescence,' to demonstrate a more flexible and nuanced command of the English language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is consistently strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions like 'although' and 'which' effectively to create complex sentences. The control over punctuation and verb tenses is accurate, and there are very few errors. Most of your sentences are error-free, which indicates a high level of grammatical control. To move into the highest band, ensure you vary your sentence length even further and perhaps experiment with more advanced structures, such as inversion or conditional sentences, to showcase full flexibility.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.