Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-07

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 purchase a few high-quality clothes instead of many inexpensive ones. While I agree that high-quality clothing can be a better long-term investment, I do not believe that buying expensive clothes is always a best choice.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why individuals prefer to buy few, more expensive items. Firstly, high-quality clothes can provide better material and are more durable, so they can remain in good condition for several years, whereas cheaper garments may wear out quickly and need to be replaced. Furthermore, expensive clothing often has better stitching and design which can make it more comfortable and suitable for work and formal occasions. Additionally, buying fewer items can reduce unnecessary clothing consumption and may eventually throw away. In this way, spending more on durable products can be both economical and environmentally responsible.

On the other hand, cheaper clothes can be a practical option, particularly for people on limited incomes. Not everyone can afford to spend a large amount of money on single jacket or a pair of shoes. Moreover, inexpensive clothing allows customers to have a variety of styles and colors without exceeding their budget, which can be especially useful for young generation whose tastes and lifestyle changes frequently. Meanwhile, some affordable clothes are reasonably durable, meaning that the low rice does not indicates poor quality. In contrast, purchasing expensive products simple because of their price may put unnecessary pressure on person's finance.

In conclusion, although people should invest in few high-quality clothes can save money in a long run, I disagree that this is always preferable for buying cheaper items. From my perspective, community should consider their income, needs and quality of product before making a purchase. Therefore, the best option is to choose durable products at prices which can be appropriate for one's budget.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, presenting a clear position that balances the benefits of high-quality clothing against the practical necessity of affordability. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with logical arguments regarding durability, environmental impact, and financial constraints. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the development of ideas could be slightly more nuanced, particularly in the conclusion, where the summary could more explicitly link back to the initial arguments rather than just restating the need for a balanced approach.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct viewpoints. The progression of ideas is smooth, though some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the structure is clear and supports the development of the argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for some precision, such as 'long-term investment', 'durable', and 'economical'. There are occasional inaccuracies, such as 'low rice does not indicates' (should be 'low price does not indicate') and 'throw away' (which is used incorrectly as a noun phrase). While the range is adequate, the use of less common lexical items is somewhat limited. Improving the precision of word choice and ensuring correct collocations would help elevate the score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'a best choice' (should be 'the best choice'), 'on single jacket' (should be 'on a single jacket'), and 'young generation whose tastes and lifestyle changes' (should be 'lifestyle change'). Additionally, the sentence 'although people should invest in few high-quality clothes can save money' is grammatically flawed. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Greater attention to subject-verb agreement and article usage is recommended.

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

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