Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-28
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 7.5)
In recent years, globalization has made it possible for people to purchase food from different countries in their local supermarkets. While this trend has some drawbacks, I believe that it is largely a positive development because it increases consumer choice and supports international trade.
The main advantage of being able to buy international food is the variety it offers to consumers. In the past, people were limited to eating seasonal and locally grown produce. Today, someone in Pakistan can easily buy kiwi from New Zealand, cheese from France, or coffee from Brazil all year round. This not only enriches people’s diets and exposes them to new cultures, but also allows them to enjoy a more balanced and nutritious diet regardless of their local climate. For example, tropical fruits that cannot grow in colder countries are now available in Europe during winter, helping people maintain a healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, the import and export of food strengthens economic ties between countries. Farmers and producers in developing nations can sell their products in global markets, which creates jobs and boosts their economies. Supermarkets also benefit from lower prices due to competition and large-scale importing. As a result, consumers can access a wider range of products at more affordable rates than before.
However, there are some negative aspects to consider. Transporting food across long distances increases carbon emissions and contributes to environmental problems. Additionally, local farmers may struggle to compete with cheaper imported goods, which can harm domestic agriculture. Despite these issues, I feel that the benefits outweigh the negatives if governments promote sustainable shipping methods and support local producers alongside imports.
In conclusion, although buying food from all over the world has environmental and economic challenges, I view it as a positive development overall. It provides greater choice, improves nutrition, and fosters global trade. With proper regulations, this trend can continue to benefit both consumers and producers worldwide.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as 'kiwi from New Zealand' and 'coffee from Brazil' to illustrate the benefits. You also acknowledge the counter-arguments regarding environmental impact and domestic agriculture, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The conclusion effectively summarizes your main points. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt, meeting all requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using phrases like 'However, there are some negative aspects to consider.' Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore,' 'As a result,' and 'Despite these issues' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'globalization,' 'seasonal and locally grown produce,' 'economic ties,' and 'sustainable shipping methods' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no significant errors in collocation. While the vocabulary is effective and conveys your meaning clearly, incorporating a few more idiomatic expressions or less common academic collocations could elevate the response further toward a band 9 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While this trend has some drawbacks, I believe that...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication. The variety of sentence forms used—ranging from simple statements to more complex, multi-clause constructions—demonstrates a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level.
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