Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-23

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, many businesses focus on showing that their products are new or different in their advertisements. This is mainly because companies want to attract customers and increase their sales. In my opinion, this can be a positive development if new products provide real benefits to consumers.

There are several reasons why businesses emphasise the new features of their products. Firstly, customers are usually interested in trying something new, so this type of advertising can attract their attention. For example, a company may introduce a new mobile phone with a better camera or longer battery life. This can encourage people to buy the product. Secondly, companies need to compete with other businesses. By offering new or improved products, they can stand out from their competitors and increase their sales.

I believe that this can be a positive development when the new products are genuinely useful. New products can make people's lives easier and more convenient. For instance, modern household appliances can save time and energy compared with older ones. In addition, competition between companies can encourage them to improve the quality of their products. However, some businesses may simply use the word "new" as a marketing technique, even when there is little real improvement. This may encourage people to spend money on products they do not really need.

In conclusion, businesses emphasise new products mainly to attract customers, increase sales and compete with other companies. I believe this is generally a positive development when new products offer real improvements, although customers should avoid buying unnecessary products simply because they are advertised as new.

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 providing a clear stance on whether this is a positive or negative development. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as mobile phones with better cameras and household appliances saving time. The student also acknowledges the potential downsides, such as marketing tricks leading to unnecessary spending. This comprehensive coverage and clear extension of ideas align well with the Band 7 level descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are presented coherently, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to link ideas, as seen with transition markers like 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' 'In addition,' and 'However.' Paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing the specific aspects of the prompt, and a conclusion. Referencing is clear and overall cohesion is well managed, fitting the Band 7 criteria.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, employing appropriate terms such as 'emphasise,' 'genuinely useful,' 'convenient,' and 'marketing technique.' There are attempts to use less common items, and the language is natural and adequate for the task. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout the response. While it does not showcase the wide, flexible range of uncommon items required for higher bands, the vocabulary is comfortably at a Band 6.5 to 7.0 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and relative clauses such as 'This is mainly because companies want to attract customers' and 'This can be a positive development when the new products are genuinely useful.' There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and the grammar and punctuation are under good control. Minor errors are absent, meaning communication is never impeded. The grammatical control leans towards a solid Band 7.

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