Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-02
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 7.0)
Social media has become an important part of modern society, and its influence has been widely debated. While some people believe that social media has brought many benefits to individuals and communities, others argue that it has created several problems. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe social media is more beneficial when used responsibly.
On the other hand, social media has a number of positive effects on society. One major advantage is that it allows people to communicate easily regardless of their location. Friends and family members can stay connected through platforms such as social networking sites, even if they live in different countries. In addition, social media provides opportunities for businesses and individuals to share information, promote products, and create professional networks. For example, many small businesses use the online platforms to reach their new customers and increase their sales.
On the other hand, some people believe that social media has negative consequences. One significant problem is that excessive use of these platforms can reduce physical communication and lead to social isolation. Furthermore, false information can spread quickly online, which may create confusion and influence people's opinions unfairly. For instance, misleading news stories shared on social media can affect public understanding of important issues. However, I believe these disadvantages can be reduced through responsible use and better awareness.
In conclusion, although social media can cause problems such as misinformation and reduced personal interaction, I believe its advantages outweigh its disadvantages. When used appropriately, social media can improve communication, provide valuable information, and bring people closer together.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for an opinion on whether it is better to buy a few expensive clothes versus many cheaper clothes. However, the essay discusses the advantages and disadvantages of social media. Because the response fails to address the task question entirely, it cannot be assessed for task achievement in relation to the prompt provided. In an actual examination, this would be treated as a memorised or irrelevant response, resulting in a very low score for Task Response. To improve, you must carefully read the prompt and ensure your arguments directly relate to the specific topic provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
Despite being off-topic, the essay itself is well-structured. It follows a standard academic format with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'For example', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' is effective and creates a logical flow between ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow, demonstrating a good grasp of organisational structure, even though the content does not address the actual task.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is generally appropriate for an academic essay. You demonstrate a good range of topic-specific vocabulary related to social media, such as 'social isolation', 'misinformation', 'professional networks', and 'public understanding'. The word choice is natural and precise, and there are no significant errors in spelling or collocation. While the vocabulary is well-suited to the topic you chose to write about, it does not demonstrate the range required for higher bands in the context of the actual prompt. However, the language used is fluent and accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The grammar is strong throughout the response. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'While some people believe that..., others argue that...' and 'Friends and family members can stay connected... even if they live in different countries.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and the control over grammatical structures is consistent. The errors are rare and do not impede communication in any way, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
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