Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

Nowadays, businesses often highlight the fact that their products are new or improved in some way when advertising them. This is mainly because companies want to attract customers and remain competitive. In my opinion, this is generally a positive development, although it can sometimes encourage unnecessary consumption.

The main reason businesses emphasise new features is that consumers are naturally attracted to innovation. When people see words such as “new”, “improved” or “latest model”, they may become curious and want to try the product. Moreover, in highly competitive markets, companies need to distinguish their products from those of their competitors. For example, smartphone manufacturers frequently promote new cameras, faster processors or additional features to persuade customers to choose their devices instead of older models.

I believe this trend is mostly positive because it encourages companies to improve the quality of their products. In order to introduce something genuinely new, businesses often invest in research and development, which can lead to technological progress and more convenient products for consumers. For instance, improvements in mobile phones, electric vehicles and household appliances have made many everyday tasks easier and more efficient.

However, there is also a negative side to this development. Some companies may exaggerate minor changes simply to make customers believe that they need to replace products that are still perfectly usable. This can encourage excessive consumerism and create unnecessary waste. For example, buying a new phone every year simply because it has a slightly better camera may not be financially or environmentally sensible.

In conclusion, businesses emphasise the newness of their products mainly to attract consumers and gain an advantage over competitors. Although this practice can encourage innovation and improve products, it can also promote unnecessary spending and waste. Overall, I consider it a positive development as long as companies advertise genuine improvements honestly.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by explaining why businesses emphasise new products and giving a well-reasoned opinion on whether this is positive or negative. The position is clear throughout the essay. The student develops ideas effectively, such as explaining how the need for competitiveness drives innovation in research and development, and also acknowledging the counter-argument regarding excessive consumerism and unnecessary waste. Relevant examples, such as smartphone manufacturers and electric vehicles, are used appropriately to support the points made, demonstrating a strong understanding of the task requirements and meeting all criteria for a Band 7.0 or higher.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to reasons for the trend, positive impacts, negative impacts, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For example', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to connect ideas, although they are standard and straightforward. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the overall arrangement is entirely coherent. The referencing is clear and the reader can easily follow the progression of the writer's argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some precision and flexibility. Phrases such as 'remain competitive', 'distinguish their products', 'excessive consumerism', and 'financially or environmentally sensible' demonstrate a good control of word choice and collocation appropriate for an academic context. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary, and spelling and word choice are accurate. Although it does not consistently display the wide, sophisticated range of a Band 8, the vocabulary used is precise enough to convey meaning fluently without hesitation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, successfully employing a variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms. For instance, conditional and concessive structures like 'In order to introduce something genuinely new, businesses often...' and 'Although this practice can encourage innovation...' are handled accurately. There is a high frequency of error-free sentences throughout the text, and any minor slips do not impede communication. The control over complex structures and punctuation places this response solidly in the Band 7 category.

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