Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-19

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 often argued that people should buy a small number of expensive clothes instead of purchasing many cheaper items. I agree with this view because high-quality clothing tends to last longer and can be more economical in the long term.

One major reason for buying expensive clothes is their quality and durability. More expensive garments are often made from better materials and are produced with greater attention to detail. As a result, they are less likely to become damaged or lose their shape after repeated washing. For example, a good-quality winter coat may remain in excellent condition for several years, whereas a cheaper one might need to be replaced after only one or two winters. Therefore, although the initial cost is higher, people may spend less money over time because they do not need to replace their clothes as frequently.

Another advantage is that buying fewer, high-quality items can encourage people to make more responsible purchasing decisions. Nowadays, fast fashion encourages consumers to buy large quantities of inexpensive clothing, much of which may be worn only a few times. This contributes to unnecessary waste and increases the demand for the production of clothing. By choosing durable garments and wearing them for longer, consumers can reduce the amount of clothing they throw away. For instance, purchasing a few versatile shirts and trousers that can be combined in different ways may be more environmentally friendly than regularly buying new outfits.

However, cheaper clothes can be useful for people with limited budgets, and not everyone can afford expensive brands. Nevertheless, I believe that consumers should focus on quality rather than simply choosing the lowest price. Expensive does not always mean better, so people should consider the material, durability and workmanship before making a purchase.

In conclusion, I agree that buying a few good-quality clothes is generally better than purchasing many cheap ones because it can save money in the long term and reduce unnecessary consumption and waste.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed ideas. The introduction clearly states agreement with the premise. Body paragraph one explores durability and cost-effectiveness over time, offering a concrete example of a winter coat lasting several years. Body paragraph two discusses the environmental impact and how fewer purchases reduce fast fashion waste, supported by an example of versatile clothing combinations. The writer even acknowledges the counter-argument regarding limited budgets in paragraph four before reaffirming their stance. The position is maintained consistently throughout, meeting the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors well, though the overall development is slightly standard, making Band 7.5 a fitting evaluation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to quality, environmental concerns, counter-arguments, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'As a result', 'Therefore', 'Another advantage', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the flow of ideas. While the cohesion is generally clear and logical, it occasionally relies on standard cohesive markers rather than more sophisticated or subtle referencing, keeping it firmly at a solid Band 7 level.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'durability', 'versatile shirts', 'fast fashion', and 'unnecessary consumption'. Word choice is generally accurate and natural, for instance in phrases like 'repeated washing' and 'responsible purchasing decisions'. Although there are occasional standard collocations rather than advanced, highly flexible phrasing, the vocabulary successfully conveys precise meaning without causing any communication difficulties. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent error-free sentences. The writer successfully employs complex structures such as conditional and concessive clauses, e.g., 'although the initial cost is higher, people may spend less money over time' and 'whereas a cheaper one might need to be replaced after only one or two winters.' Control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout, with only minor or non-systematic issues absent from the text. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, showcasing a reliable command of punctuation and clause structures that fits the Band 7 criteria.

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