Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-02

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 8.5)

Modern consumers face a genuine dilemma: whether to purchase a small number of high-priced, high-quality garments or a larger volume of cheaper, budget clothing. I completely agree that investing in fewer, more expensive items is the superior choice, owing to both the long-term financial savings and the environmental benefits of reduced consumer waste.

The primary advantage of premium clothing lies in its superior longevity and value over time. High-quality garments are typically crafted from durable materials and feature reinforced stitching, allowing them to withstand repeated washing and wear without losing their shape or colour. Fast-fashion items, by contrast, often deteriorate rapidly, fading or losing their form after only a handful of washes. Although the upfront cost of a well-made item is higher, its cost per wear is considerably lower across its lifespan, making it the most sound financial investment in the long run.

Beyond personal economics, purchasing fewer, higher-quality garments is also far better for the environment. The mass production of cheap apparel relies heavily on synthetic textiles and exploitative labour practices, driven by a business model that treats clothing as disposable. Because these garments are discarded quickly, they contribute significantly to textile waste and landfill accumulation. By choosing durable, well-made pieces instead, individuals can actively reduce market demand for fast fashion, encouraging more sustainable production methods across the industry. While some people prefer to change outfits frequently to match seasonal trends or different occasions, a smaller, well-curated wardrobe can still accommodate variety without the environmental cost of constant disposal.

In conclusion, building a smaller collection of high-quality clothing is highly advantageous, offering both a stronger financial return over time and a meaningfully reduced environmental footprint compared to the fast-fashion alternative.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding financial savings and environmental impact are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning, such as the mention of 'cost per wear' and 'textile waste'. The ideas are logically extended, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 the financial argument and the environmental argument is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The primary advantage', 'By contrast', 'Beyond personal economics', and 'In conclusion'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the development of your position.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'genuine dilemma', 'superior longevity', 'exploitative labour practices', and 'well-curated wardrobe' show a sophisticated command of language. There is a good awareness of collocation and style, appropriate for an academic or formal discussion. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also enhances the clarity and impact of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For example, the use of participial phrases like 'driven by a business model' and 'allowing them to withstand' demonstrates a high level of grammatical flexibility. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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