Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

it is often argued that people should buy small numbers of expensive clothes instead of purchasing many cheaper one. I agree with this view because high-quality clothes are usually last longer and can be more economical in the long run.

Firstly, expensive clothes are generally made for better quality materials and are designed to last for longer periods. Although they may cost more initially, they do not need to be replaced frequently. For example, a good quality cast may remain in excellent condition for several years, while a cheaper one may lose its shapes or become damaged after short time. Therefore, buying fewer but better quality clothes can actually save money over time.

Secondly, purchasing fewer clothes can also reduce unnecessary waste. Nowadays, many people buy cheap clothes simply because they are fashionable and affordable. However, these clothes are often thrown away when they are no longer trendy or when their quality decreases. This contributes to environmental problems because large amounts of clothing waste end up in landfills. In contrast, people who buy durable clothes are more likely to use them or many years.

Admittedly, cheap clothes can be useful for people who have a limited budget. They allow individuals to buy different styles without spending a large amount of money. However, I believe that quality should be considered more important than quantity whenever possible.

In conclusion, I strongly agreed that buying a few expensive and durable clothes is better than purchasing many cheap ones. This approach can save money in the long term also help to reduce clothing waste.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt and maintains a clear position throughout. The arguments regarding durability and environmental impact are relevant and well-developed. The student provides a balanced view by acknowledging the counter-argument regarding budget constraints, which adds depth to the discussion. The ideas are extended with logical reasoning and examples, such as the mention of clothing waste in landfills. The conclusion effectively reinforces the initial stance. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, real-world examples or deeper analysis of the economic trade-offs involved in 'fast fashion' versus 'slow fashion' to further demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

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 easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'In contrast', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there are minor issues with referencing and flow; for instance, the transition between the second body paragraph and the counter-argument paragraph could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the overall structure supports the development of the argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate and sufficient for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms like 'economical', 'durable', 'landfills', and 'fashionable'. There are some minor errors, such as 'good quality cast' (likely meant 'coat') and 'lose its shapes' (should be 'shape'). While the range is adequate, it lacks the more sophisticated, less common lexical items that would characterize a higher band score. The word choice is functional and clear, but more precise collocations would enhance the quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'usually last longer' (should be 'usually last longer' or 'are usually longer-lasting'), 'lose its shapes' (should be 'lose its shape'), and 'use them or many years' (should be 'use them for many years'). Additionally, there is a tense inconsistency in the conclusion: 'I strongly agreed' should be 'I strongly agree'. Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout, and the mistakes do not significantly impede communication. A wider variety of error-free complex structures would be required for a higher band.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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