Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-30

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 8.5)

Nowadays, supermarkets offer a wide range of food imported from different parts of the world. As a result, consumers can enjoy products that were once unavailable in their countries. Although this trend has a few drawbacks, I believe it is largely a positive development because it provides greater choice and strengthens global trade.

One major advantage is that people have access to a wider variety of fresh and nutritious food throughout the year. Seasonal fruits and vegetables that cannot be grown locally can easily be imported from countries with different climates. For example, people in Pakistan can buy Australian apples or New Zealand kiwis even when these fruits are out of season locally. This allows consumers to maintain a more balanced diet while also experiencing foods from different cultures. In addition, international products encourage people to explore new cuisines, making everyday meals more enjoyable.

Another important benefit is the positive impact on the global economy. International trade creates employment opportunities for farmers, manufacturers, transport companies and retailers. It also encourages healthy competition among producers, which often results in better quality products and more competitive prices. As countries become more connected through trade, they are also able to meet consumer demand more efficiently.

However, importing food is not without disadvantages. Transporting products over long distances increases carbon emissions, contributing to environmental problems. Moreover, local farmers may struggle to compete with cheaper imported goods, which could reduce their income and threaten domestic agriculture. Nevertheless, governments can address these issues by supporting local producers while promoting environmentally friendly transport and sustainable farming practices.

In conclusion, despite some environmental and economic concerns, I believe that the availability of food from around the world is a positive development. It gives consumers greater choice, improves food availability, and supports international trade. With appropriate government policies, the negative effects can be minimised, allowing society to enjoy the benefits of a global food market.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples provided, such as the trade of apples and kiwis between countries. You have balanced the argument by acknowledging the drawbacks—specifically environmental concerns and the impact on local farmers—before refuting them with potential solutions. This demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the prompt. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points, confirming your stance as a positive development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with a clear topic sentence. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result', 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Nevertheless', which help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the benefits from the drawbacks and the final conclusion. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic task. You use precise terms such as 'domestic agriculture', 'sustainable farming practices', and 'global food market' with ease. The collocations are natural, and there is no evidence of repetitive or basic word choices. While the vocabulary is consistently accurate and fits the context well, it remains slightly standard; incorporating a few more idiomatic or highly sophisticated academic phrases could elevate this further, but the current range is already very strong and supports clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional logic. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For instance, the sentence 'As countries become more connected through trade, they are also able to meet consumer demand more efficiently' is grammatically sound and sophisticated. There are no noticeable errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy throughout the entire response.

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