Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 8.0)

It is increasingly common for consumers in many countries to purchase food that has been produced in various parts of the world. I believe this is a predominantly positive development because it improves public health through greater nutritional diversity and stimulates economic growth in both importing and exporting nations.

The most significant benefit of global food availability is the improvement in public health that it provides. This is because consumers now have access to a wide variety of nutritious products that were previously unavailable in their local markets, allowing them to maintain a more balanced and diverse diet. For instance, Japanese sushi, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and Mediterranean olive oil, known for reducing the risk of heart disease, are now readily available in supermarkets worldwide, enabling consumers to benefit from the healthiest cuisines on the planet. While critics argue that transporting food over long distances increases carbon emissions, the substantial health benefits for millions of consumers far outweigh these environmental concerns, particularly as sustainable shipping practices continue to improve. Therefore, international food trade is clearly a positive force for global public health.

Furthermore, the global food trade generates significant economic benefits for both importing and exporting countries. When retailers import products from overseas, they create extensive supply chains that generate employment opportunities across transportation, warehousing, and distribution networks. For example, the European Union's importation of South American agricultural products supports millions of jobs and contributes billions of euros in tax revenue, which governments can reinvest in public services such as healthcare and education. Not only does this trade create employment, but it also drives healthy competition among producers, ultimately resulting in higher quality products at more affordable prices for consumers. Consequently, international food trade serves as a powerful engine for national economic development.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that the global availability of food in supermarkets is an overwhelmingly positive development because it enhances public health through nutritional diversity and drives economic growth across nations. While minor environmental challenges exist, the benefits to both individuals and societies are undeniable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 specific examples such as Japanese sushi and the European Union's agricultural imports used to support your arguments. The counter-argument regarding carbon emissions is acknowledged and effectively refuted, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the prompt. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the question of whether this development is positive or negative.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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' and 'Consequently'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The structure is well-managed, with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion that reinforces the main position without simply repeating the introduction.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. You use sophisticated collocations and topic-specific terminology such as 'nutritional diversity', 'supply chains', 'distribution networks', and 'economic development'. The word choice is precise and contributes to the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of naturalness, which is characteristic of a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional-like reasoning and subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. You demonstrate excellent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The sentence variety is impressive, moving between simple, compound, and complex structures with ease. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control is very high.

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