Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-11
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)
Some people think that a few expensive clothes might be a better choice than a few cheaper ones, while others say that less expensive items are more sensible nowadays. In this essay, I will shed some light on the subject and give my own opinion.
On the one hand, buying expensive goods is a good idea if we are talking about long-term consumption items such as belts, bags or handmade watches made in the middle of Europe. Usually, more expensive items are of better quality and last longer than their cheaper counterparts, so people can save a lot of money in the long run. For example, a person can sell a brand new watch after five or even ten years of use because the price is still high and the condition of the product is acceptable.
On the other hand, it does not make sense to buy expensive T-shirts or jeans because they are made for two or just one season. They are not designed to last more than a few years because they are made of thin cotton or synthetic materials. For example, modern T-shirts lose their quality and colour after the 10th or even the 7th wash, so it is much wiser to buy mass-produced cotton goods rather than luxury ones.
In summary, it is clear that people have a lot of choices when it comes to purchasing nowadays. Furthermore, the developed market economy has made it easier than ever before in the history of mankind to make wise choices based on our current needs and financial capabilities.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses the prompt well by presenting a balanced view. You clearly identify two categories of clothing—durable items like watches and disposable items like T-shirts—to support your position that the 'better' choice depends on the item's purpose. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with logical reasoning, such as the resale value of luxury watches versus the rapid degradation of mass-produced cotton. To reach a higher band, ensure your conclusion explicitly restates your position on the prompt's core question rather than providing a general summary of the market economy, as this would make your stance more definitive.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' helps guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two sides of your reasoning. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is generally clear. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, but overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'long-term consumption items', 'mass-produced', and 'financial capabilities' are used appropriately. There is an awareness of style, and the word choices are generally accurate. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions. For example, instead of 'shed some light on the subject', you might use 'examine the nuances of this debate'. The current vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication throughout the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional and comparative structures effectively, such as 'if we are talking about...' and 'it is much wiser to...'. The grammar is generally accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing. However, the current control is strong and consistent.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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