Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-07

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 6.0)

It is often argued that purchasing a small number of high-priced clothes is more efficient and practical, whereas others maintain that it is better to have many affordable clothes because there is variety to choose from, which essential for everyday life. While both points are understandable to some extent, I am firmly of the opinion that budget-friendly clothes can be more cost- effective in the long term and it offers variety, mainly because good quality and affordable garments are now widely available in the market.

One of the most compelling reasons why I agree that low cost clothing are better is because it allows people to have many clothes without having to spend a large amount of money, thereby enabling them to save and allocate the funds to other essential necessities, such as healthcare. This is largely because the price of these clothes are within the budget of individuals that they are inclined to buy more without exceeding the funds allocated for clothing, which consequently enables them to have many clothes to choose from without compromising their savings. By buying cheaper clothes people can benefit from the low costs, thus empowering them since they can still save money and feel good about themselves. For example, people whose work does not require wearing a uniform can still feel smart and confident knowing that they have many affordable and quality clothes, which does not sacifice their money.

On the other hand, others prefer buying expensive clothes because it is more durable in the long run, effectively benefitting from it since they do not have to buy frequently, which can sometimes more costly and time consuming. This is due to the fact that these clothes are of high quality that they can lasts for a long period of time. People who are buying expensive clothes believe that the because of its high price manufacturers ensure that the materials of those garments are of high quality as well so that people can wear them multiple times without worrying about potential tear-off, thus allowing people to feel more empowered because they can maximize the money that they spend on those clothes. For instance, people who buy expensive clothes often find themselves in more practical state because they do not have to spend additional time buying clothes, which can sometimes accumulate costs since clothing prices varies frm time to time.

In conclusion, although both views have their own justifications, I maintain my position that cheaper clothes are better as they offer siginificant benefits to people, such as an array of clothing options and the ability to still save. If more people choose to buy more cheap clothes, it is highly likely that they do not have to sacrifice their savings to look good, smart, and comfortable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

Your position is clear: you favour cheaper clothes, and the introduction and conclusion both reinforce this view. You address the opposing argument about durability and explain why some people consider expensive garments worthwhile, so the response covers both sides of the question. The point about saving money for necessities such as healthcare is relevant, and the example of workers who do not need uniforms helps illustrate variety. However, some support is general or repetitive: the first body paragraph returns several times to saving money and having more choices, while the durability argument is described rather than tested against your own position. To strengthen the response, develop a more specific example and explain more directly why affordability and variety outweigh durability in your view.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay has a clear overall structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two perspectives, and a conclusion that restates your position. Transitions such as “On the other hand” and “In conclusion” make the main stages easy to follow. Within paragraphs, however, progression is sometimes weakened by repeated explanations: the first body paragraph circles back to affordability, savings, and choice, and the second repeats the idea that expensive clothes last longer and save time or money. Some linking phrases also make relationships less clear, particularly the long sentence beginning “This is due to the fact that…”. Use fewer repeated claims and organise each paragraph around one main reason followed by a precise explanation or example. Clearer referencing would also help readers track what “it” and “these clothes” refer to.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range for the topic, including phrases such as “allocate the funds,” “durable in the long run,” “high quality,” and “an array of clothing options.” These choices help express both financial and practical considerations. There are also attempts at more formal vocabulary, but some combinations are unnatural or imprecise, such as “more practical state,” “potential tear-off,” and “clothing prices varies.” Spelling slips including “sacifice” and “siginificant” also reduce accuracy. Some wording is repetitive, especially “people,” “clothes,” and “save,” which limits flexibility. Aim for natural collocations and more precise alternatives—for example, describe garments as “resistant to wear and tear” and say that prices “fluctuate.” Proofreading spelling and word forms will make your vocabulary more effective.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of complex structures, including clauses with “whereas,” “because,” and “which,” and most of the argument remains understandable. However, errors in agreement, verb forms, and sentence construction occur often enough to limit control. Examples include “low cost clothing are better,” “the price … are,” and “they can lasts”; these should use singular/plural agreement and the correct verb form. The sentence “there is variety to choose from, which essential for everyday life” is missing a verb, while “People who are buying expensive clothes believe that the because…” contains a broken construction. Long sentences also make these problems harder to manage. Build accuracy by checking each clause for a subject and verb, and divide sentences when several explanations are joined together.

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