Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-15

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)

In recent years, shopping has become increasingly common in many parts of the world. A significant number of individuals prefer quality over quantity, and find it better to buy just a few good quality clothes, rather than lots of less expensive dresses. I totally agree to this development because they look better and last longer than cheaper ones. This essay will explain my position in detail.

There are many reasons why I believe it is better to purchase a few expensive clothes instead of numerous cheaper ones. One of the primary reason is that expensive clothes are always worth the money. They are expensive because of some reasons such as they have good quality fabric. As a result, these products last longer than the poor quality items. For instance, I bought a long-coat which I loved at a famous store about 5 years ago. At first, I was reluctant because it was a bit expensive then decided to buy because I could not get over it. Although it seemed expensive at that time, but it was worth its price, and I still wear it in winters. Therefore, it is evident that spending on quality things is always a better idea than collecting plenty of cheaper ones.

There is another significant reason why I agree to people who prefer quality over quantity is that expensive products make people look better. Spending on good quality clothes, is equal to investing in one's own self because a nice outfit makes a person looks more elegant and elevates its appearance. For instance, employers who go to their office well dressed look more confident and more productive. On the other hand, there are a significant number of individuals who buy alot of cheaper clothes and just collect plenty of them in their wardrobe. These clothes do not remain wearable after a single wash. As a result, they have to buy more and more new clothes. Ultimately, putting a lot of financial burden on themselves.

In conclusion, there are a significant number of individuals who prefer just a few expensive clothes, rather than lots of cheaper clothes, I believe it is a great idea. Because one should focus on quality over quantity, and always spend smartly on his shopping. Because shopping again and again put more financial burden on people. Hence, shopping once and shopping smart is always a better idea.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

Your position is clear from the introduction: you agree that buying a few higher-quality clothes is preferable, and both body paragraphs give relevant reasons. The coat example supports the point about durability, while the discussion of appearance and repeated replacement purchases adds a second line of support. This meets the task well, and the response shows some development beyond simply stating an opinion. However, the claim that expensive clothes make people look better is broad, and the example about office workers does not fully explain why price or quality produces confidence or productivity. The conclusion also repeats the main points rather than drawing them together. More precise explanation and a more directly relevant example would make the argument more fully developed. The 11 words copied from the task prompt were not counted.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs with separate reasons, and a conclusion. The progression from durability to appearance is easy to follow, and signposts such as “For instance,” “On the other hand,” and “As a result” help show relationships between ideas. However, some linking is mechanical or awkward. The second body paragraph begins with a long construction—“There is another significant reason why I agree … is that”—which makes the relationship between the topic sentence and its claim less clear. The conclusion also repeats “Because” in separate sentence fragments, interrupting the flow. Use simpler topic sentences and connect supporting details more smoothly, while varying transitions and avoiding repeated summary language.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough vocabulary to discuss clothing, quality, cost, and appearance, including phrases such as “quality over quantity,” “financial burden,” and “elevates its appearance.” These choices communicate the main ideas, and there is some attempt to use less common language. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or informal, such as “good quality fabric,” “a long-coat,” “in winters,” and “alot.” Repetition of “expensive,” “cheaper,” and “quality” also limits flexibility. Aim for more natural combinations and precise wording—for example, describe garments as “well-made” or “durable,” and refer to “a winter coat.” Proofreading spelling and choosing vocabulary that fits the context would make the argument sound more controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning with “Although” and “because,” and most of the meaning remains clear. However, some errors in agreement, sentence construction, and punctuation recur. For example, “one of the primary reason” needs a plural noun, and “makes a person looks” should use the base verb after “makes.” The sentence beginning “There is another significant reason … is that” has an unclear grammatical structure. In the conclusion, “Because one should focus…” and “Because shopping again and again…” are fragments, while “shopping … put” has a subject–verb agreement error. Practise checking each sentence for a complete main clause, correct verb forms, and agreement, especially when combining ideas.

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.