Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

It is often argued that purchasing a small amount of premium quality clothes is a better choice than buying many inexpensive ones. I strongly agree with this view the reason being, high-quality clothing tends to last longer and is more environmentally sustainable. The reason for such thinking will be discussed in detail, in later paragraphs.

To begin with, expensive clothes are generally made from strong, durable and higher quality of garments. As a result, they are tend to last longer and it also retains their appearance even after repeated use. Although the initial cost may seem high, they often prove to be more economical in the long run because they do not need to be replaced frequently. In contrast, cheaper garments are more likely to fade, shrink, or tear after a few washes, forcing consumers to spend additional money on replacements. For example, a well-made leather jacket or a tailored blazer can remain in excellent condition for years if properly maintained, whereas low-cost alternatives often wear out within a single season.

Another compelling reason is that buying fewer, high-quality clothes helps reduce environmental damage. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to textile waste, largely due to the rise of fast fashion, where inexpensive clothing is produced and discarded at an alarming rate. Consumers who prioritise quality over quantity generate less waste and reduce the demand for mass production, which in turn lowers pollution and conserves natural resources. Furthermore, owning a carefully selected wardrobe encourages thoughtful consumption rather than impulsive buying, leading to more responsible spending habits.

Admittedly, inexpensive clothing can be beneficial for individuals with limited financial resources or for children who quickly outgrow their clothes. Nevertheless, even in these situations, purchasing a few durable essentials is often a wiser investment than repeatedly replacing poorly made garments.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that buying a limited number of expensive clothes is preferable to purchasing numerous cheaper items. Despite the higher upfront cost, quality clothing offers greater durability, better value for money, and contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.

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 two well-developed arguments: economic durability and environmental sustainability. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the comparison between a leather jacket and fast-fashion alternatives. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance, and the conclusion effectively summarises the main points. The response is balanced, acknowledging the counter-argument regarding financial constraints while successfully refuting it. The development is logical and consistent throughout the essay, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'In contrast', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to guide the reader. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of the argument is natural, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, which contributes to a coherent and easy-to-follow response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for the topic. The writer uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'premium quality', 'textile waste', 'fast fashion', and 'thoughtful consumption'. There is evidence of good collocation, such as 'conserve natural resources' and 'wiser investment'. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the context well, it lacks the highly sophisticated or idiomatic flair that would distinguish a band 9 response. However, the range is more than sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good variety of complex structures, including conditional-like reasoning and relative clauses. Most sentences are error-free, though there are a few minor slips. For instance, 'they are tend to last longer' contains a grammatical error (should be 'they tend to last longer'), and 'higher quality of garments' is slightly awkward phrasing. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, the control of grammar and punctuation is strong, and the errors do not impede communication. The majority of the sentences are well-constructed and accurate.

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

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