Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-30

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)

Nowadays, many people prefer to buy a few expensive and high quality clothes instead of buying cheap clothes. I completely agree with this idea because good quality clothes uaually last longer and can save money in the long run.

The main reason why I support this idea is that buying high-quality clothes is useful because they are usually more durable. Cheap clothes may look attractive and cost less, but they can become damaged or lose their shape after a few washes. In contrast, expensive clothes are often made from better materials, so people can wear them for a longer period. For example, a good-quality jacket might need to be replaced after only one season. Therefore, buying fewer but better clothes can reduce waste and the need for frequent shopping.

Another importnat reason is that having fewer clothes can also help people save space and make better choice. When people have too many clothes, they may spend a lot of time deciding what to wear. They may also buy clothes that they do not really need. If people choose a small number of useful and comfortable clothes, they can create a simple wardrobe and avoid unnecessary spending. This can also be better for the environment because fewer clothes are thrown away.

In conclusion, I agree that it is better to buy a few high-quality clothes rather than many cheaper ones. Although expensive clothes may cost more at first, they can last longer, reduce waste and help people spend their money more wisely. For these reasons, choosing quality over quantity is a sensible decision.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a clear position ('I completely agree with this idea') and supporting it with logical reasons and relevant examples. The first body paragraph effectively contrasts cheap versus expensive clothing, noting durability and waste reduction, though the jacket example contains a slight contradiction by suggesting a cheap jacket only lasts one season (which is common for many items, though the point about frequent replacement remains clear). The second body paragraph explores an additional relevant angle regarding wardrobe management, space saving, and environmental impact. Overall, the ideas are well-developed and the position is maintained consistently from the introduction through to the conclusion, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to two well-defined body paragraphs and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to link ideas, such as 'In contrast,' 'Therefore,' and 'Another importnat reason is that,' although there is a minor typo in the latter phrase ('importnat'). Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively to separate different arguments. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall arrangement ensures the reader can easily follow the progression of the writer's thoughts. This meets the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow flexibility and precision, employing appropriate terms such as 'durable,' 'wardrobe,' 'reduce waste,' and 'unnecessary spending.' There are some attempts at less common lexical items, and overall the vocabulary is adequate for the task. However, there are minor spelling errors ('uaually' instead of 'usually' and 'importnat' instead of 'important'), which prevent the piece from reaching a higher band. Nevertheless, word choice is generally natural and does not impede communication, placing the response solidly at Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as conditional structures ('When people have too many clothes, they may spend...') and concessive clauses ('Although expensive clothes may cost more at first...'). There is good control of grammar and punctuation overall, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor mechanical or typographical errors occur, but they are infrequent and do not impede communication. The control demonstrated over complex syntactic forms supports a Band 7 score.

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