Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-26

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

A growing number of people rely on restaurants and convenience food (frozen food and packaged meals) rather than home-cooked food to supply most of their meals.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating this way?

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Advantages and Disadvantages of Relying on Convenience Food

Nowadays, an increasing number of people depend on restaurants and convenience foods such as frozen meals and packaged food instead of cooking at home. This trend has both advantages and disadvantages, although I believe the disadvantages can be significant if this becomes a regular habit.

One major advantage is convenience. People who have busy jobs or studies may not have enough time to prepare meals every day. Buying a ready-made meal or eating at a restaurant can save time and effort. For example, a student who has classes and a part-time job may choose a frozen meal instead of spending an hour cooking. Another advantage is that restaurants provide a wide variety of food, allowing people to try different cuisines without learning how to prepare them.

However, there are several disadvantages to this lifestyle. First, convenience food and restaurant meals can be less healthy than homemade food. They may contain high amounts of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. If people regularly eat these foods, they may increase their risk of health problems. In addition, people have less control over the ingredients and portion sizes. For instance, a person who cooks at home can choose fresh vegetables and use less oil and salt.

Another disadvantage is the cost. Eating at restaurants regularly can be much more expensive than buying ingredients and cooking at home. Packaged meals may also seem affordable individually, but the cost can become high when they are purchased frequently. Moreover, people may lose valuable cooking skills if they rarely prepare their own meals.

In conclusion, relying on restaurants and convenience food can save time and provide variety, but it can also lead to higher expenses and unhealthy eating habits. Therefore, I believe people should enjoy these options occasionally while preparing fresh meals at home whenever possible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified both the advantages (time-saving, variety) and disadvantages (health risks, cost, loss of skills) of relying on convenience food. Your position is consistent throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the student balancing classes and work, and the comparison of ingredient control between home-cooked and restaurant meals. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively summarizes your stance while offering a balanced recommendation. The content is relevant and directly answers the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the topic, and the transition between the advantages and disadvantages is smooth, using appropriate linking words like 'However' and 'In addition'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect sentences and ideas, such as 'For example', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, making the text easy to follow. The flow of information is natural and coherent throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'regular habit', 'wide variety of food', and 'valuable cooking skills' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and clear, it is mostly functional rather than sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise collocations or less common lexical items related to nutrition or lifestyle trends. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'People who have busy jobs or studies may not have enough time to prepare meals every day.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control. While the range of complex structures is solid, further experimentation with more varied subordinate clauses or passive constructions could enhance the grammatical complexity of your writing.

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