Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-26

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 5.0)

Some people believe that it is good to purchase a expensive outfits, rather than lots of cheaper clothes. I partly agree with this statement because it is totally depends on individuals.

On the one hand, some people manage to buy expensive clothes because they can afford it. For instance, celebrities or influencers purchase for themselves an expensive outfits and also they do not want to wear it again in any other functions or weddings. In addition, they also think that they should buy branded clothes from zara or h&m. Many other websites are also available for buying expensive clothes. They buy a better quality fabric.

On ther other hand, some individuals cannot afford expense and they purchase cheaper clothes. As they think that whether they are cheaper or not but they will wear them. Many middle class people or low class, they think it is okay to wear a cheaper clothe.

In conclusion, many people prefer expensive clothes and other also prefer cheaper clothes. But it depends on personal requirement and what we need to wear.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You give a relevant response and state a position: “I partly agree,” then explain that clothing choices depend on what people can afford and need. The two-sided structure also shows awareness of the issue. However, the position is not fully established: the essay mainly describes who buys expensive or cheaper clothes rather than explaining whether buying a few costly items is better than buying many inexpensive ones. The examples about celebrities and middle-class people are brief and general, and the point about quality fabric is not developed into a reason. The conclusion repeats that preferences differ without resolving your own view. The response is also below the required 250 words, so there is not enough development to address the task fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two contrasting body paragraphs signposted by “On the one hand” and “On the other hand,” and a conclusion. This makes the main contrast easy to follow. However, progression within the paragraphs is limited: the first moves from celebrities to brands, websites, and fabric without clearly connecting these points, while the second gives only one brief explanation. Some linking is mechanical, and “In addition” introduces a point that is not clearly supported or related to the previous sentence. To improve, organise each paragraph around one main reason, explain it, and add a specific example before moving to the next idea.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use enough basic vocabulary to communicate the general topic, including “expensive clothes,” “cheaper clothes,” “afford,” and “quality fabric.” The contrast between the two types of clothing is clear. However, the range is limited and several expressions are inaccurate or awkward, such as “purchase for themselves an expensive outfits,” “cannot afford expense,” and “a cheaper clothe.” These choices sometimes make the reader pause to interpret your meaning. Try learning natural collocations for clothing and spending, such as “buy high-quality garments,” “be within someone’s budget,” and “get more wear out of an item.” More precise vocabulary would also help you explain the advantages and disadvantages rather than repeatedly naming the two price categories.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and longer structures, including “because they can afford it” and “As they think that whether they are cheaper or not but they will wear them.” This shows an effort to connect ideas, but the longer constructions are often faulty, and errors occur frequently enough to affect clarity. For example, “it is totally depends” has an incorrect verb form, while “a expensive outfits” has problems with the article and singular/plural agreement. The sentence beginning “Many middle class people or low class” is also incomplete. Focus first on accurate basic sentence patterns, subject–verb agreement, articles, and singular/plural forms; then practise adding one clear subordinate clause to each main point.

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

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