Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-23

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)

Some people believe that purchasing a small number of expensive clothes is better than buying a large quantity of cheaper ones. I largely agree with this view because high-quality clothing tends to last longer and can be more economical and environmentally responsible in the long term.

One major advantage of buying expensive clothes is their durability. Higher-priced garments are often made from better-quality materials and are manufactured to withstand frequent use and washing. As a result, people may not need to replace them as often as inexpensive items. For example, a person who purchases a well-made winter coat may be able to wear it for several years, whereas a cheaper coat might lose its shape or insulation after only one or two seasons. Although the initial cost is higher, the price per year of use can therefore be considerably lower.

Another reason to favour fewer, higher-quality clothes is that this approach can reduce unnecessary consumption. The fashion industry generates a substantial amount of waste because people frequently purchase inexpensive garments and discard them when trends change. Buying fewer items encourages consumers to choose versatile clothes that can be worn on different occasions. For instance, a good-quality pair of trousers can be combined with several shirts and jackets, allowing someone to create different outfits without constantly purchasing new clothes. This can reduce both household expenditure and the amount of textile waste sent to landfill.

In conclusion, although buying cheaper clothes may provide greater variety at a lower immediate cost, I believe that purchasing fewer, higher-quality garments is a better choice. Their durability, versatility and lower environmental impact make them more beneficial in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. You effectively explore the benefits of durability and the environmental impact of 'fast fashion'. Each paragraph is well-structured, with a clear topic sentence and supporting examples, such as the winter coat and the versatility of trousers. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, demonstrating a strong understanding of the task requirements. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points without introducing new information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct arguments. You employ a range of cohesive devices, such as 'As a result', 'Although', 'Another reason', and 'For instance', which help the reader follow your argument smoothly. The transition between the economic argument and the environmental argument is seamless. The use of referencing is precise, and the overall structure is coherent, making the text easy to read and follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic or formal discussion. Phrases like 'unnecessary consumption', 'versatile clothes', and 'household expenditure' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choices are precise and natural, contributing to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be pushed further towards a more sophisticated level to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the response. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional-like structures ('a person who purchases... may be able to') and concessive clauses ('although...'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate good control over tense and modal verbs. The writing is fluent and displays a high level of grammatical competence.

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

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