Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-08

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)

Nowadays, supermarkets in many countries offer consumers food imported from almost every part of the world. Although this development can create certain economic and environmental problems, I believe it is predominantly positive because it provides greater choice, convenience and opportunities for cultural exchange.

One major benefit is that international food gives consumers access to a much wider variety of products throughout the year. People are no longer restricted to food that can be grown or produced locally, which is particularly valuable in countries with unsuitable climates. For instance, supermarkets in northern European countries can stock tropical fruits such as mangoes and bananas even though these crops cannot be cultivated efficiently in such climates. Moreover, imported food enables people to experience different cuisines without travelling abroad. This can be especially beneficial in multicultural societies, where consumers may want to maintain their traditional eating habits.

Nevertheless, the global food trade has some disadvantages. Local farmers and food manufacturers may find it increasingly difficult to compete with cheaper imported products. If consumers consistently choose foreign alternatives, domestic businesses could lose revenue and, in some cases, be forced to reduce production or close down. Another concern is the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances, as international shipping and air freight can contribute considerably to carbon emissions. However, these problems can be addressed through government support for local producers and more environmentally efficient transportation.

In conclusion, while the international availability of food can harm some domestic businesses and increase environmental pressures, I consider it a largely positive development. The greater variety and year-round availability of food, together with the opportunity to experience other cultures, outweigh these disadvantages.

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 arguments are well-developed, particularly the discussion on consumer choice and the counter-arguments regarding local businesses and environmental impact. You provide relevant examples, such as the mention of tropical fruits in northern Europe, which effectively illustrates your point. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a balanced summary that reinforces your initial stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed.

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 the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases like 'predominantly positive', 'cultivated efficiently', and 'environmental pressures' show a good command of topic-specific language. There is a natural use of collocations, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition. You successfully use less common items to convey your ideas with accuracy and style. The language is sophisticated and appropriate for an academic context, with no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although this development can create... I believe it is...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. You use a variety of sentence forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not affect the overall high quality of the writing.

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