Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-12

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)

It is often argued that purchasing a small number of expensive, high-quality clothes is preferable to buying a large quantity of cheaper garments. I strongly agree with this view because well-made clothing tends to be more durable and can provide better value for money in the long run, while buying fewer items can also encourage more responsible consumption.

The most compelling reason to invest in expensive clothing is its superior quality and longevity. Garments made from durable materials and manufactured to a high standard are less likely to lose their shape, fade or become damaged after repeated washing. Although the initial price may be considerably higher, such items often remain wearable for several years, meaning that their cost per use can ultimately be lower than that of inexpensive clothes that need to be replaced frequently. For example, someone who purchases a high-quality winter coat and wears it for five or six years may spend less overall than a person who repeatedly replaces cheaper coats every winter.

Furthermore, buying fewer clothes can reduce unnecessary consumption and the environmental problems associated with the fashion industry. The production and disposal of large quantities of inexpensive clothing require substantial amounts of water, energy and raw materials. In contrast, purchasing durable garments and keeping them for longer encourages consumers to adopt a more sustainable approach to fashion. This is particularly important as the growing popularity of fast fashion has contributed to excessive waste and overconsumption.

Admittedly, inexpensive clothing is more accessible to people on limited budgets, and having a wider variety of affordable outfits may be attractive to some consumers. Nevertheless, affordability at the point of purchase does not necessarily make these products economical in the long term.

In conclusion, although cheaper clothes can provide greater variety and immediate affordability, I firmly believe that purchasing a smaller collection of durable, high-quality garments is a wiser financial and environmental choice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments regarding durability, cost-per-use, and environmental impact are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the comparison of winter coats. The counter-argument is acknowledged and effectively refuted, demonstrating a balanced approach. The ideas are logically extended, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your stance. The response is well-focused and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'Furthermore', 'In contrast', and 'Nevertheless' effectively. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'superior quality and longevity', 'cost per use', 'responsible consumption', and 'fast fashion' are used accurately and naturally. The collocation is strong throughout the text, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your ideas with sophistication, which is appropriate for a high-band response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional clauses, relative clauses, and varied sentence beginnings. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There is a high level of control over complex grammatical forms, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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