Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03

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 many countries, supermarkets now offer an extensive range of food imported from different parts of the world. Although this development can have some negative environmental consequences, I believe that it is predominantly positive because it provides consumers with greater choice and creates economic opportunities for food-producing countries.

One major advantage of the international food trade is that it gives consumers access to a much wider variety of products. In the past, people largely depended on food that could be grown or produced within their own regions. Today, however, supermarkets allow people to purchase ingredients from almost any part of the world. This is particularly beneficial for people who enjoy exploring different cuisines or who have migrated from other countries and wish to maintain their traditional diets. For example, supermarkets in Nepal increasingly sell products such as Italian pasta, Korean noodles and Japanese sauces, allowing consumers to prepare international dishes without having to travel abroad.

Another significant benefit is the economic opportunity created for producers in countries with favourable agricultural conditions. By exporting their products to international markets, farmers and food companies can reach a much larger customer base and generate higher incomes. This can contribute to employment and economic development, particularly in developing countries where agriculture is an important source of livelihood. For instance, countries such as Kenya and Ecuador have built substantial export industries around products such as flowers, coffee, fruits and vegetables, providing income for large numbers of workers.

Nevertheless, the global distribution of food can have environmental drawbacks. Transporting food over thousands of kilometres by ship, plane or truck requires considerable amounts of energy and consequently contributes to greenhouse-gas emissions. In addition, excessive dependence on imported food may weaken local agricultural industries. However, these problems can be reduced through more sustainable transportation methods and by encouraging consumers to purchase locally produced food when it is available.

In conclusion, although importing food from around the world can increase environmental pressure, I consider it a largely positive development. The greater variety available to consumers and the economic opportunities created for producers outweigh the potential disadvantages, particularly if international food trade is combined with more environmentally sustainable practices.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each body paragraph provides relevant, well-developed ideas, such as the benefits of consumer choice and economic growth in developing nations. You also acknowledge the counter-argument regarding environmental impact, which adds depth to your analysis. The examples provided, such as the mention of Kenya and Ecuador, are specific and effectively support your arguments. The conclusion provides a clear summary that aligns with your initial stance. Overall, the response is well-structured and demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment.

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. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'In the past', 'However', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the text. Referencing is consistent, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage. The structure is sophisticated and supports the development of your ideas throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'predominantly positive', 'favourable agricultural conditions', and 'substantial export industries' show a strong command of academic language. You use less common lexical items appropriately, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is natural and sophisticated, contributing to the overall fluency of the essay. Your ability to use topic-specific terminology, such as 'greenhouse-gas emissions' and 'international food trade', is excellent and enhances the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use modal verbs and conditional structures effectively to express your arguments. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score. The sentence variety keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a strong grasp of English syntax.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.