Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-12

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 5.5)

In recent times, purchasing costly garments has become controversial. While some argue that buying more inexpensive outfits is more efficient. I completely disagree with buying costly clothing. I strongly believe that affordable attire is relevant for daily routines. This essay will explain why I support this perspective.

The primary reason for my opinion is trendy fashion. Nowadays, fashions change every two months. For example, social media influencers attract people to purchase different styles of garments. Therefore, if a person purchases a few expensive clothes, they can not change in 2 months because of the expense; also, not everyone can afford it. Furthermore, individuals do not prefer to take photographs in one attire at different locations. If the customer obtains cheaper clothes, it is outweighed by the expense.

Another key argument is shopping from premium retail outlets. In many countries, people believe that they can get good quality clothes from luxury showrooms instead of the local market. Whereas I personally experienced that it is not necessary; high-end showrooms just

increase the price to look premium and are of poor quality. This demonstrates that purchasers can pay less at local clothing shops and get high-quality clothing. Critics may claim the brand of the garments, but quality remains the same.

In conclusion, I firmly disagree that a few costly items of clothing are better than more inexpensive ones because of fashion style changes and premium quality. Although luxury clothes promote brands and status, the benefits of cheaper outfits are far more significant for society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

Your position is clear from the introduction: you disagree with buying a few expensive clothes, and the conclusion restates this view. You give two relevant reasons—changing fashion trends and the possibility that premium shops do not guarantee better quality—and include an example involving social media influencers. However, the reasons are not developed equally. The point about taking photographs in the same outfit is asserted rather than explained, and “it is outweighed by the expense” does not make clear what “it” refers to or how the comparison supports your argument. The claim that luxury shops offer poor-quality clothing also needs a specific example or qualification. Explain the consequences of each reason more fully and connect them directly to the choice between fewer expensive items and more affordable ones.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion, and the main ideas are generally presented in a sensible order. Linking expressions such as “The primary reason,” “Furthermore,” and “In conclusion” help signal the stages of the argument. However, some connections are mechanical or unclear. The sentence beginning “While some argue…” is left as a fragment, and “Whereas I personally experienced…” does not connect smoothly to the preceding claim. The reference in “it is outweighed by the expense” is also unclear, interrupting the progression of the first body paragraph. Use complete sentences and make the relationship between each example and its supporting point explicit; this will create a clearer flow rather than relying mainly on signposting phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a reasonable range of topic vocabulary, including “garments,” “inexpensive outfits,” “social media influencers,” and “premium retail outlets.” These choices show an effort to avoid repeating basic terms, and the overall meaning is usually understandable. However, several expressions are unnatural or imprecise, which limits the clarity and flexibility of the vocabulary. “Trendy fashion” is awkward in this context, “change in 2 months” does not clearly describe changing one’s wardrobe, and “it is outweighed by the expense” is an unsuitable collocation for the intended meaning. “Premium quality” and “high-quality clothing” also repeat a similar idea without adding precision. Choose more natural collocations and use specific wording to distinguish price, durability, style and quality.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including conditional and contrast structures, as in “if a person purchases a few expensive clothes…” and “Although luxury clothes promote brands and status…”. Most of the argument remains understandable, but some grammatical errors and punctuation problems are noticeable. “While some argue that buying more inexpensive outfits is more efficient” is a dependent clause presented as a sentence; join it to the following sentence or complete it. In “they can not change in 2 months,” the pronoun’s meaning is unclear and the modal phrase is awkwardly formed. The sentence beginning “Whereas I personally experienced” is also incomplete. Review clause boundaries, pronoun reference and punctuation, and vary complex structures while ensuring each sentence is grammatically complete.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.