Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many countries nowadays, consumers can go to a supermarket and buy food produced all over the world.

Do you think this 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 9.0)

The increasing availability of food imported from different parts of the world has transformed the shopping habits of consumers in many countries. Although this trend raises some concerns regarding environmental sustainability and local agriculture, I believe that it is, on balance, a positive development because it offers greater choice, improves food security and enhances people's quality of life.

One of the greatest advantages of importing food is the wider variety available to consumers. Fresh fruit, vegetables and other products that cannot be grown locally due to climate or seasonal limitations can now be purchased throughout the year. As a result, people are able to maintain more balanced and nutritious diets while also enjoying foods from different cultures. For example, supermarkets in many countries stock tropical fruits, international spices and imported dairy products regardless of the season, giving consumers access to products that were once unavailable.

Furthermore, international trade strengthens food security. If poor weather, natural disasters or disease reduce domestic agricultural production, imported food can help prevent shortages and stabilise prices. This ensures that consumers continue to have access to essential goods even during difficult periods. In today's interconnected global economy, such flexibility is increasingly valuable.

Admittedly, there are some drawbacks. Transporting food over long distances contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, while cheaper imports may place financial pressure on local farmers who struggle to compete. Nevertheless, these issues can be mitigated through sustainable farming practices, environmentally friendly transport and government policies that support domestic agriculture. Consequently, the disadvantages are manageable and do not outweigh the substantial benefits.

In conclusion, although importing food from around the world presents certain environmental and economic challenges, I believe it is largely beneficial. The greater diversity of products, improved food availability and enhanced consumer choice make this a positive development overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant supporting arguments, such as the mention of seasonal limitations and food security. The counter-argument regarding environmental impact is acknowledged and effectively refuted, demonstrating a balanced and sophisticated approach to the task. The ideas are extended logically, providing a clear progression of thought that directly answers whether the development is positive or negative.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Admittedly', and 'Consequently'. The use of referencing is precise, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; rather, they are used to guide the reader through your argument naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'environmental sustainability', 'mitigated', 'interconnected global economy', and 'domestic agricultural production' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of vocabulary is more than sufficient to convey complex meanings with ease. Your control over lexical items is highly effective throughout the entire response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, passive voice, and complex noun phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. You demonstrate excellent control over sentence variety, which keeps the writing engaging. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication or cause confusion. The level of accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for a high-band score.

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