Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 the 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 diminish unnecessary clothing consumption and may eventually reduce waste. 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 the young generation whose tastes and lifestyle change frequently. Meanwhile, some affordable clothes are reasonably durable, meaning that the low price does not indicate poor quality. In contrast, purchasing expensive products simply because of their cost may put unnecessary pressure on a person's finance.

In conclusion, although people should invest in few high-quality clothes to save money in the long run. From my perspective, consumers 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 balanced view that acknowledges the benefits of both expensive and affordable clothing. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant supporting points, such as durability and environmental impact for expensive items, and financial accessibility for cheaper ones. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the argument, providing a nuanced final stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. While some cohesive devices are standard, they are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The overall structure is coherent and easy to follow, justifying a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses relevant terms such as 'long-term investment', 'unnecessary clothing consumption', and 'environmentally responsible'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the meaning is consistently clear. While the range is adequate, it lacks the sophisticated, precise collocation that would elevate it to a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication, making this a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over grammar, with only minor slips such as 'on single jacket' (missing an article) and the sentence fragment in the conclusion: 'From my perspective, consumers should consider...'. Despite these occasional errors, the majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The grammatical control is sufficient to support clear communication throughout the text.

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