Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-11

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)

The ability to walk into a local supermarket and buy food sourced from every corner of the globe is one of the defining features of modern life. While this trend brings undeniable convenience and culinary variety, it also introduces significant environmental and economic challenges. On balance, while the short-term benefits to consumer choice are clear, the long-term ecological and local economic costs make this a predominantly negative development in its current, unchecked form.

The most immediate advantage of globalized food supply chains is unprecedented dietary diversity and consistency. Consumers are no longer bound by seasonal or regional limitations; fresh berries, avocados, and tropical fruits are available year-round regardless of local climates. This global trade also provides a vital economic lifeline to farmers and agricultural workers in developing nations, allowing them to export high-value crops to wealthy markets and improve their standard of living.

However, the environmental toll of this convenience is severe. Transporting food thousands of miles—often by air freight for highly perishable items—generates massive carbon emissions that accelerate global climate change. Furthermore, the emphasis on large-scale, export-oriented industrial agriculture frequently leads to intensive pesticide use, soil degradation, and deforestation in producer countries to clear land for monoculture crops.

Beyond environmental concerns, globalized food networks threaten local food security and economies. When supermarkets rely heavily on cheap imports, domestic producers who cannot compete on price are forced out of business, eroding a region's self-sufficiency. If geopolitical conflicts, pandemics, or extreme weather disrupt international shipping lanes, countries heavily dependent on imported food are left dangerously vulnerable to supply shortages and price spikes.

Ultimately, while access to global produce enriches our daily diets, the hidden costs to our climate and local agricultural foundations are too high to ignore. A more sustainable future requires balancing global variety with a renewed emphasis on local, seasonal consumption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction, arguing that the development is predominantly negative due to environmental and economic concerns. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of air freight, carbon emissions, and the vulnerability of local economies to supply chain disruptions. The argument is balanced, acknowledging the benefits of dietary variety before systematically refuting them with stronger counter-arguments. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the response is cohesive and focused throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the benefits and moving to the environmental and economic drawbacks. Cohesive devices such as 'While this trend', 'Furthermore', 'Beyond environmental concerns', and 'Ultimately' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used skillfully, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of information is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'unprecedented dietary diversity', 'export-oriented industrial agriculture', 'soil degradation', and 'geopolitical conflicts' show a high level of precision and academic tone. The word choices are not only accurate but also contribute to the persuasive nature of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with natural control throughout the text, reflecting a high level of lexical proficiency.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The punctuation is accurate, and the control over complex syntax is excellent. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication in any way. The use of subordination and coordination is balanced, creating a sophisticated and readable text that meets the criteria for a high band score.

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