Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
In modern culture, shopping plays a significant role in people's lives. It has been argued that people should invest a small number of expensive clothes rather than purchase a large quantity of cheaper items. This essay will elucidate that I strongly agree with this view because high-quality clothing is usually more durable and can represent better value for money over time.
To commence with, buying expensive clothes is their superior quality and longevity. To expond , premium garments are generally made from durable materials and produced with greater attention to detail. Consequently, they are less likely to fade, shrink, or lose their shape after repeated washing. Cheaper clothing, by contrast, may initially appear economic but often needs to be replaced within a relatively short period. For instance, a high -quality winter coat may remain in good condition for several years, whereas a poorly made alternative could require replacement after only one season. Therefore, purcahsing fewer durable items can reduce both waste and the inconvenience of frequent shooping.
To further solidify my argument, expensive clothes can offer better long-term financial value. To exemplify, consumers who repeatedly buy inexpensive garments may eventually spend more than those who invest in a few well-made pieces. In addition, owning fewer clothes encourages people to choose versatile items that can be worn on different occasions. For example, A classic jacket can be suitable for work, social events , and formal occasions, eliminating the need to buy several separate outfits.
Cheaper clothes are essential for people on limited incomes, and expensive garments are not always affordable. However, whenever people have the financial means, prioritising quality over quantity is generally the more sensible approch.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that buying a few expensive , high-quality clothes is preferable to purchasing numerous cheaper ones. Their durability, versatility, and greater value over time make them a wiser investment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with relevant arguments regarding durability, financial value, and versatility. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the comparison between the long-term cost of cheap versus expensive clothing. The essay maintains a consistent stance throughout, and the inclusion of a counter-argument in the fourth paragraph demonstrates a balanced approach, which is then effectively refuted. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
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. Cohesive devices such as 'To commence with', 'Consequently', 'To further solidify my argument', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the text easy to follow throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. You demonstrate a good range of topic-specific language such as 'premium garments', 'versatile items', and 'long-term financial value'. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'expond' (expound), 'purcahsing' (purchasing), 'shooping' (shopping), and 'approch' (approach). While these do not impede communication, they prevent a higher score. The use of collocations is generally accurate, and the language used is natural and fits the formal tone required for an IELTS essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and your control of grammar is generally strong. There are a few minor slips, such as 'buying expensive clothes is their superior quality' (which should be 'buying expensive clothes is advantageous due to their superior quality') and a minor punctuation error with the space before the comma in 'expensive , high-quality'. However, these are non-systematic and do not interfere with the clarity of your message. The range of structures is sufficient to support your arguments well.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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