Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

It is considered prudent to purchase a few costly garments rather than numerous inexpensive ones. I strongly agree with this view because slow fashion is generally more economical than fast fashion. Although consumers may spend more initially, high-quality clothes tend to last longer and retain their value, reducing the need for frequent replacement and, consequently, the environmental waste associated with clothing production.

The primary reason for favouring expensive garments is that they can be more economical in the long term. Fashion trends change rapidly, encouraging consumers who follow fast fashion to purchase large quantities of inexpensive clothing that may become outdated within a few months. By contrast, many well-made garments have timeless designs and can be worn for years without being significantly affected by changing trends. For example, a well-designed pair of Nike shoes may remain fashionable and functional for considerably longer than a cheaply manufactured pair bought solely because it reflects a temporary trend. Therefore, investing in durable, versatile clothing can provide considerably better value for money.

Another important consideration is the environmental benefit of purchasing fewer, higher-quality garments. Superior materials and construction generally make expensive clothes more durable, meaning that consumers do not need to replace them as frequently. This reduces demand for the manufacture and transportation of new clothing, both of which consume substantial amounts of energy and water and generate pollution. For instance, a high-quality Adidas jacket may remain wearable for several years, whereas a cheaply produced jacket may need to be replaced much sooner. Consequently, choosing durable clothing can help reduce the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

In conclusion, although expensive clothes require a greater initial investment, their durability and timelessness can make them more economical over time. Purchasing fewer, higher-quality garments is therefore a more sustainable approach because it reduces both unnecessary expenditure and the environmental impact of frequent clothing consumption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear stance that buying expensive, high-quality clothes is more economical and sustainable than purchasing fast fashion. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing the longevity of branded shoes and jackets against cheaper alternatives. The arguments regarding financial savings and environmental benefits are logically extended, fully satisfying the requirements for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression from introduction to conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced across well-defined paragraphs, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct sub-theme (economic benefits and environmental impact). Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'The primary reason', 'By contrast', and 'Consequently'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the overall structure guides the reader smoothly through the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic of fashion, consumption, and sustainability. Less common lexical items are skillfully integrated, including phrases like 'prudent to purchase', 'timeless designs', 'initial investment', and 'environmental footprint'. There are only occasional minor limitations, but word choice and collocation are generally accurate, allowing the text to flow naturally and demonstrating strong command of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writer employs a wide range of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-controlled subordinate clauses, participial phrases (e.g., 'reducing the need for frequent replacement'), and conditional elements. Punctuation is handled accurately throughout, and grammar does not impede communication at any point. The control demonstrated aligns closely with the Band 8 criteria for grammatical range and accuracy.

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