Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-20

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 often suggested that consumers should prefer purchasing fewer but costlier garments, instead of many inexpensive ones. I agree with this view because expensive clothes provide a longer wear, which make them more affordable in the long-term. Moreover, buying fewer clothes promotes sustainability making it more environmentally friendly.

Expensive clothes are considered to be more durable as consumers get more wear from them and less frequently need to buy replacements. The clothes are of superior quality because the clothing brands use the best raw materials and manufacturing processes for their product. As a result, consumers can buy the clothes with confidence and know that they do not need to buy back up. By this I mean, if an individual buys a good pair of black jeans, he/she can wear it for a long time. It can be styled in different ways. There will not be a need to buy an extra pair for just in case it gets torn.

On the other hand, the environment can also benefit from the sustainability choices that consumers make. When the consumers are buying less clothes, the factories in turn will also reduce the supply of clothes. This will result in less production cycles in factories reducing the waste from exhaust fumes. Furthermore, we can also save on the non biodegradable waste of plastic. The garments are usually packaged in plastic packaging. The reduced sales can help in decreasing production of the environmental pollutant plastic.

In conclusion, although some people think buying many cheap clothes is better, I believe that buying fewer but expensive clothes is better. This choice benefits the individuals by reducing the money spent on purchasing clothes in the long term and also benefits the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response clearly addresses both parts of the task prompt, presenting a well-developed position throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a clear stance in agreement with the prompt, and this position is maintained logically across the body paragraphs. The writer presents two main supporting arguments: durability and financial savings in the long term, and environmental sustainability. These ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the mention of black jeans and reduced factory production cycles. The arguments are relevant and well-proportioned to the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements. Overall, the performance aligns well with the Band 7 descriptor for Task Achievement because all parts of the task are addressed with a clear position and well-extended ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into an introduction, two body paragraphs focusing on distinct arguments, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'As a result', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are used to connect ideas, although some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph centering on a clear topic, such as durability in the second paragraph and environmental benefits in the third. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional minor cohesion issues appear, such as 'When the consumers are buying less clothes', which detracts slightly from smooth flow. On balance, the organisational structure and logical flow firmly place this response in the Band 7 category.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision with terms like 'sustainable choices', 'raw materials', 'manufacturing processes', and 'non-biodegradable waste'. Less common vocabulary items are attempted with a general awareness of style and collocation. However, there are some minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'provide a longer wear' instead of 'wear longer' or 'greater longevity', and 'buy back up' instead of 'backups'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary choices do not impede communication at any point. The lexical range and control demonstrated throughout the essay comfortably meet the criteria for a Band 6.5, rounded to a solid Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a decent command of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include 'It is often suggested that consumers should prefer purchasing fewer but costlier garments, instead of many inexpensive ones' and 'When the consumers are buying less clothes, the factories in turn will also reduce the supply of clothes.' While there are occasional grammatical errors and minor awkward structures—such as 'buying less clothes' instead of 'fewer clothes' and 'for just in case'—these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are clear and well-constructed, fitting comfortably within the Band 6.5 to 7 range, making a Band 6.5 appropriate.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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