Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-07

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)

The global availability of food in supermarkets is a phenomenon that has transformed the way people shop and eat. Consumers can now purchase food produced all over the world, a development that brings both positive and negative aspects. On balance, I believe that this is a positive development due to the benefits it provides in terms of variety, quality, and economic opportunities.

Firstly, the availability of international food products in supermarkets significantly increases variety. Consumers have access to a diverse range of foods that were previously unavailable or hard to find. This enables people to enjoy different cuisines and flavors, enriching their culinary experiences. For instance, individuals in the United States can easily find French cheeses, Japanese sushi ingredients, and tropical fruits from South America. This variety not only satisfies diverse tastes but also encourages cultural exchange and understanding through food.

Secondly, access to global food products can improve the quality of diets. Supermarkets can offer a broader range of fresh produce and healthy options from around the world, providing consumers with better nutritional choices. For example, during off-seasons, importing fruits and vegetables from other countries ensures that consumers can maintain a balanced diet year-round. This constant availability of fresh produce helps combat nutritional deficiencies and promotes healthier eating habits.

However, it is important to acknowledge the negative impacts of this development. The environmental cost of transporting food over long distances is significant. The carbon footprint associated with international food trade contributes to climate change and environmental degradation. Furthermore, the emphasis on imported goods can sometimes undermine local agriculture, as consumers may prefer foreign products over locally grown produce, leading to potential economic difficulties for local farmers.

In conclusion, while the global availability of food in supermarkets presents environmental challenges, the benefits in terms of variety, quality, and economic opportunities make it a positive development overall. By promoting cultural exchange, improving dietary options, and supporting economic growth in developing countries, this trend enhances the global food landscape. However, it is crucial to find a balance by encouraging sustainable practices and supporting local agriculture to mitigate the negative impacts.

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. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples provided for each point, such as the mention of French cheeses and Japanese sushi ingredients. You also acknowledge the counter-argument regarding environmental impact and local agriculture, which demonstrates a balanced approach. The conclusion effectively summarizes your position and provides a thoughtful synthesis of the arguments. The response is well-structured 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 topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'global availability', 'culinary experiences', 'nutritional deficiencies', and 'environmental degradation' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is solid and effective, it stays within a standard range; to reach the highest band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to add further nuance to your arguments. Overall, the lexical resource is more than sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('By promoting cultural exchange...') and conditional-like structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To move into the higher band, ensure that you continue to experiment with more diverse sentence patterns, such as inversion or more complex relative clauses, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have demonstrated here.

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.