Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-17

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)

In recent years, whether people should buy a small number of expensive clothes instead of many cheaper clothes has attracted considerable attention. Although people hold different views on this issue, I believe that buying a few expensive clothes is generally better because high-quality clothing can last longer and provide better value over time. This essay will examine the main aspects of this issue.

To begin with, expensive clothes can be more economical in the long term because higher-quality materials are often more durable and do not need to be replaced frequently. This can have a considerable impact on people's everyday lives. For example, a person can buy a high-quality winter jacket and use it for several years instead of purchasing a cheaper replacement every year. This demonstrates the practical importance of this point.

Furthermore, buying fewer clothes can reduce unnecessary consumption because people are more likely to choose items carefully and use them regularly. Its effects can also extend beyond individuals and influence the wider community. For instance, a consumer who owns a few reliable shirts and trousers can wear them repeatedly rather than constantly buying inexpensive clothes that are rarely used. This illustrates why this aspect deserves attention.

However, it should also be recognised that cheaper clothing can still be useful for people with limited incomes because expensive items may be difficult to afford even if they offer better quality. This perspective should not be overlooked when considering the issue as a whole.

In conclusion, I believe that buying a few expensive clothes is generally better because high-quality clothing can last longer and provide better value over time. This is mainly because durable clothes may save money in the long term and buying fewer items can reduce unnecessary consumption. Overall, these factors should be considered together when evaluating this issue.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a position in the introduction and maintaining it throughout the essay. The main arguments—durability, long-term economic value, and reduced consumption—are relevant and extended with sensible examples, such as purchasing a winter jacket that lasts several years. A counter-argument regarding individuals with limited incomes is also acknowledged, which adds balance and satisfies the requirement to discuss different facets of the topic. The response is fully developed and logically reasoned without any major omissions or irrelevance. Overall, this performance aligns closely with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph dedicated to a distinct supporting point or counter-argument. Cohesive devices are employed to link ideas, such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'However', establishing a clear flow of information. However, some of the concluding sentences within paragraphs, like 'This demonstrates the practical importance of this point', feel slightly formulaic and mechanical. Despite this minor drawback, the overall structure remains coherent and easy to follow, making Band 7 an appropriate score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'considerable impact', 'unnecessary consumption', and 'limited incomes' show an adequate control of common lexical items. Less common vocabulary is attempted with reasonable success, such as 'durable' and 'economical'. While the vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for the context, it lacks the more sophisticated, idiomatic, or highly nuanced phrasing characteristic of higher band levels (such as Band 8). Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, ensuring that communication is never hindered.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, featuring subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'Although people hold different views on this issue, I believe that...' and '...consumers who own a few reliable shirts and trousers can wear them repeatedly rather than constantly buying inexpensive clothes that are rarely used.' Grammatical control is strong, with frequent error-free sentences and correct punctuation. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the complexity of the grammatical range is sustained nicely across the response. This level of accuracy and variety comfortably secures a Band 7.0 for this criterion.

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