Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In their advertising, businesses nowadays usually emphasise that their products are new in some way. Why is this? Do you think it is a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Nowadays, businesses often highlight the fact that their products are new or innovative when advertising them. This is mainly because consumers are attracted to new ideas and companies want to gain a competitive advantage. In my opinion, this is a positive development overall, although it can have some disadvantages.

One important reason why companies emphasise the newness of their products is that people are naturally interested in innovation. New products often offer improved features, better quality, or greater convenience compared with older ones. For example, smartphone companies regularly advertise new models by focusing on advanced cameras, longer battery life, or artificial intelligence features. Such advertising encourages customers to consider upgrading their existing devices. In addition, presenting a product as new can help a company stand out from its competitors and attract more customers.

I believe this trend is generally positive because competition between businesses can encourage innovation. When companies try to introduce something new, they are motivated to improve their products and services. As a result, consumers may benefit from better technology, more choices, and improved customer experiences. For instance, the development of electric cars has encouraged automobile manufacturers to produce vehicles that are more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient.

However, there can also be negative consequences. Some businesses may exaggerate the benefits of a new product simply to increase sales. Consumers may therefore purchase products they do not actually need, which can lead to unnecessary spending and increased waste. For example, buying a new smartphone every year merely because it has a few additional features can be expensive and contribute to electronic waste.

In conclusion, businesses emphasise the newness of their products because innovation attracts consumers and helps companies compete in the market. Although this practice can encourage unnecessary consumption, I believe it is mostly a positive development because it promotes innovation and provides consumers with better products and more choices.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly explain why businesses emphasize 'newness'—citing consumer interest in innovation and competitive advantage—and provide a balanced view on whether this is positive or negative. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the example of electric cars to illustrate the positive impact of competition, and the counter-argument regarding electronic waste to address the negative aspects. The response is well-structured and directly answers both components of the task, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of innovation and the potential drawbacks is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'In addition,' 'For instance,' and 'However,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of ideas is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which indicates a high level of control over the discourse.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'competitive advantage,' 'environmentally friendly,' and 'energy-efficient' are used accurately and appropriately in context. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it leans towards standard academic register rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced or less common lexical items to add greater depth to your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although this practice can encourage... I believe...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no major grammatical slips that distract the reader, and your control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a solid command of English syntax.

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