Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-24

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)

Nowadays, supermarkets in many countries sell food that is produced in different parts of the world. I believe this is a positive development because it gives consumers more choices and allows them to experience different cultures through food.

The main advantage of buying international food is that consumers have a greater variety of products to choose from. For example, people can easily buy Italian pasta, Indian spices, Japanese noodles and Mexican sauces in many supermarkets. This is convenient for people who enjoy trying new types of food and learning about other cultures. It is also helpful for immigrants who want to buy traditional products from their home countries. Furthermore, people can enjoy their favourite foods throughout the year, even when these products are not produced locally. Therefore, international food makes people's lives more interesting and convenient.

Another important benefit is that international food trade can support farmers and businesses in different countries. When supermarkets import products such as coffee, bananas and spices, foreign farmers can sell their goods to a much larger market. As a result, they can earn more money and create employment opportunities for local people. This can improve the economy and living standards in developing countries. Admittedly, transporting food over long distances can increase pollution and damage the environment. However, I believe this problem can be reduced by using cleaner transport and buying some products locally.

In conclusion, I consider the availability of food from around the world to be a positive development. It provides consumers with more choices, introduces them to different cultures and creates economic opportunities for producers. Although there are some environmental concerns, I believe the advantages of international food trade are greater than its disadvantages overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as specific food items like 'Italian pasta' and 'Indian spices', and logical reasoning regarding economic benefits for developing nations. You also acknowledge the counter-argument regarding environmental impact, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and you use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'As a result', and 'Admittedly'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, two body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use topic-specific terms such as 'international food trade', 'employment opportunities', and 'living standards' appropriately. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions, though your current usage is entirely effective for clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('when these products are not produced locally') and concession clauses ('Although there are some environmental concerns'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and demonstrate a high level of proficiency.

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