Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-16

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 considered prudent to purchase a few costly clothes, instead of numerous inexpensive clothes. I strongly agree with this view because slow fashion is more economical than fast fashion. Since expensive clothes usually have better quality and last longer, they reduce the need to buy lots of cheaper clothes, which otherwise can contribute to higher amounts of environmental waste.

The primary reason is that slow fashion is more economical than fast fashion. Fashion trends change every day, and consumers who support fast fashion buy lots of cheaper clothes frequently, which get outdated within a few months. Whereas branded good quality clothing designs are classic and can be worn regularly without being worried about changing dressing styles. For example, a pair of Nike shoes is unlikely to go out of fashion than a pair of cheap trendy shoes. Therefore, investing in good quality products is promising and provides value for money by lasting longer.

Another important reason why expensive clothes should be prioritized is that they are more durable. This means that due to better quality they can last a considerably longer time in contrast to cheaper lower quality clothes. As a result, consumers do not need to shop again and again, which reduces manufacturing demand and prouction. Consequently, it reduces the overall pollution associated with manufacturing and transportation of clothing. For examle, an Adidas jacket may a last longer when compared to a locally manufactured cheap jacket. Thus, shopping branded good quality apparel can reduce demand for excessive cheaper low quality garments.

In conclusion, expensive clothes do not get out of fashion and provide higher durability than cheaper clothes. Therefore, shopping a few expensive clothes should be preferred because of the economical and the environmental benefits they offer in comparison to cheaper clothes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear position that expensive, slow fashion clothes are better than cheaper alternatives due to economic and environmental reasons. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and extended, such as the discussion on how fast fashion trends change quickly while classic designs provide long-term value, supported by specific examples like Nike shoes and Adidas jackets. The arguments regarding durability and the reduction of manufacturing waste are logically presented. While some points are slightly repetitive in their formulation, the overall task fulfillment meets the criteria for Band 7, as all requirements are addressed with a clear stance and extended supporting details.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction that outlines the writer's stance, followed by body paragraphs focusing on economic value and environmental benefits respectively, and concluding with a summary. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'The primary reason is', 'Another important reason', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. However, some cohesive transitions feel slightly formulaic or mechanical, preventing it from reaching a higher band. Overall, the flow and referencing are clear, warranting a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The writer uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, such as terms like 'prudent', 'slow fashion', 'fast fashion', 'classic', 'durable', and 'manufacturing demand'. There are attempts to use less common lexical items with general awareness of style and collocation. However, there are a few lexical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'costly clothes' (instead of 'expensive clothing'), 'without being worried about changing dressing styles' (awkward phrasing), and 'shopping a few expensive clothes' (where 'purchasing' or 'buying' would be more natural). Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures reasonably well (e.g., 'consumers who support fast fashion buy lots of cheaper clothes frequently, which get outdated within a few months'). There are, however, some grammatical inaccuracies and awkward constructions, such as 'may a last longer' (typographical/grammatical slip) and missing prepositions or articles in places like 'shopping branded good quality apparel'. Punctuation is generally correct, and the majority of simple sentences are accurate, while errors in complex structures rarely impede communication. This balance of structures and error frequency corresponds to a Band 6.

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