Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
It is considered prudent to purchase a few costly garments, instead of numerous inexpensive ones. I strongly agree with this view because slow fashion is more economical and sustainable than fast fashion. Although consumers spend more in beginning, expensive clothes offer better quality and last longer, thereby reducing 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trends change every day, and consumers who support fast fashion buy lots of cheaper clothes frequently, which get outdated within a few months.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 clothing designs are classic and can be worn regularly without worrying about changing fashion. For example, a pair of Nike shoes is unlikely to go out of fashion compared to 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 deceases manufacturing demand. Consequently, it reduces the air and water pollution associated with manufacturing and transportation of clothing. For example, an Adidas jacket may last longer when compared to a locally manufactured cheap jacket. Thus, shopping branded, good quality apparel can be more environmentally sustainable.
In conclusion, although expensive clothes need higher investment in the beginning, they do not get out of fashion and provide higher durability than cheaper clothes. Therefore, purchasing fewer expensive clothes is preferred because of the economical and environmental benefits they offer in comparison to numerous cheaper clothes.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student addresses all parts of the task clearly and presents a well-developed position throughout the essay. The response is divided into logical arguments focusing on both economic and environmental aspects of purchasing expensive versus cheap clothing. For instance, the student supports their view with relevant examples such as comparing 'Nike shoes' and 'an Adidas jacket' to cheap, trendy alternatives. Ideas are extended nicely, though a slightly broader range of perspectives could push this into even higher territory. Overall, the prompt is fully answered, and the position is consistently maintained, satisfying the requirements for a strong band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with economic benefits in the second body paragraph and moving to environmental sustainability in the third. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader, such as 'The primary reason is', 'Another important reason', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing (e.g., 'This means that due to better quality...') is generally clear. While some transitions could be even more seamless to reach elite levels, the overall structural framework is robust and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are attempted, including 'prudent', 'sustainable', 'apparel', and 'manufacturing demand'. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses or minor inaccuracies, such as 'spend more in beginning' (missing an article 'the') and 'deceases manufacturing demand' (where 'decreases' was likely intended). However, the vocabulary chosen is more than adequate to convey precise meaning without impeding communication, fitting comfortably into the criteria for a solid score in this category.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay contains a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a variety of structures such as conditional and relative clauses ('consumers who support fast fashion buy lots of cheaper clothes frequently, which get outdated...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few minor grammatical errors persist, such as missing articles ('in beginning' instead of 'in the beginning') and a typo with 'deceases' instead of 'decreases'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and control over grammar is good, ensuring that these minor flaws do not impede communication at any point.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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