Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-22

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, the growing availabity of inexpensive clothing has encouraged people to purchase garments more frequently. While some argue that investing in a small number of high-quality, expensive clothes is a better approach, I largely agree with this view because durable clothing cxan offer better long-term value and reduce unnecessary consumption.

One primary reason for purchasing expensive, high-quality clothes is their durability. Garments made from superior materials and manufactured to a high standard are generally less likely to lose their shape, fade or become damaged after repeated washing. Although the initial cost may be considerably higher, such items can remain wearable for several years, meaning that consumers do not have to replace them frequently. For instance, a well made winter coat may cost twice as much as a cheaper alternative but could remain in good condition for many years, whereas the inexpensive version might need to be replaced after only two seasons. Consequently, buying fewer durable items can be more economical in the long run.

Another important consideration is the environmental impact of excessive clothing consumption. Cheap garments can encourange consumer to buy clothes impulsively and discard them when they are no longer fashionable. This contributes to textile waste and increases the resources required for manufacturing and transportation. In contrast, purchasing a smaller wardrobe consisting of versatile, long lasting peices can encourage more reasonable consumption.

Nevertheless, inexpensive clothing can be advantageous for people with limited budget, particularly those who needs different outfits for work,study or social ocassions. However, affordability does not necesseraly means better value if garments need to be replaced frequently.

To recapitulate, although cheaper clothes may be more accessible in short term, I beleive that fewer, better-quality garments is generally a more economical and environmentally responsible approach over time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear position ('I largely agree with this view') and supporting it with well-developed ideas regarding long-term economic value and environmental impacts. The writer extends their arguments effectively, discussing durability, cost-effectiveness, and textile waste. A counterargument is also introduced and addressed in the fourth paragraph, demonstrating a well-rounded discussion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended from personal knowledge, fitting comfortably into the Band 7 to Band 8 descriptors for task response. Because the position is sustained throughout and ideas are thoroughly explored with appropriate examples such as the winter coat, a band score of 7.5 is well-deserved.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to durability, environmental concerns, a counter-perspective, and a summary conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'While some argue', 'Consequently', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately and sufficiently. Although there are minor spelling slips that slightly affect the flow, the overall cohesive framework is strong and logical. This performance aligns closely with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary for the task. Words and phrases such as 'durable clothing', 'unnecessary consumption', 'excessive clothing consumption', and 'environmentally responsible approach' show a good grasp of topic-specific language. However, there are a few spelling and typographical errors throughout the text, including 'availabity' instead of availability, 'cxan' instead of can, 'encourange' instead of encourage, 'peices' instead of pieces, 'ocassions' instead of occasions, and 'necesseraly means' instead of necessarily mean. Despite these occasional lapses, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings and supports clear communication, fitting the Band 6.5 profile nicely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as concessive clauses ('While some argue that...') and conditional or relative clauses. There is generally good control over grammar and punctuation. However, some minor grammatical and agreement errors occur, such as 'those who needs' instead of need, and 'fewer, better-quality garments is' where a plural verb would agree better with the compound subject. Additionally, articles are occasionally missed or misused, as in 'with limited budget'. The majority of sentences remain clear and comprehensible, placing the essay securely in the Band 6.5 range.

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

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