Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-12

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 6.0)

Nowadays, supermarkets sell all kinds of food that are imported from various parts of the world. In my opinion, this has a positive impact on consumers because it gives them more choices, although it also has some negative impacts.

Firstly, buying international food provides a variety of options for people. Customers can get high-quality products from across the globe, and it depends on their choices, needs and preferences. For example, in India, people can buy Italian pasta, Korean noodles, American cereals, and fruits and vegetables from different countries. This gives consumers more freedom to choose products according to their needs and preferences.

Secondly, the availability of international food gives people an opportunity to experience different cultures and try traditional foods. Food is an important part of every culture, so trying dishes from other countries can help people understand different traditions and lifestyles. Therefore, international food can help people connect better with other cultures and learn about their traditions.

However, there are some disadvantages. Importing products can lead to an increase in prices because of transportation costs, preservation costs, and import and export taxes between countries. This can make imported food more expensive than locally produced food. Also, importing products from different countries may negatively affect local businesses because consumers may prefer foreign products over local ones. Despite these problems, I believe the benefits are greater, especially because consumers have more freedom and variety.

In conclusion, I believe that the availability of food from around the world in supermarkets is a positive development. Although it can cause economic problems, the wider choice of food and greater exposure to different cultures make it beneficial overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position and discussing both positive and negative aspects of the development. The central position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning specific international foods available in India. However, the explanation tends to over-generalise slightly at times, and the development could be pushed further to reach a higher band. For instance, the discussion on cultural appreciation could delve deeper into global exchange rather than repeating that food connects people to traditions. Nevertheless, the response fully covers the prompt requirements effectively and demonstrates a clear line of argument, fitting the Band 7 profile well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introductory stance, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs introduced by cohesive markers such as 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' and 'However,' and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, though they are somewhat conventional and formulaic. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that individual themes such as consumer choice, cultural exchange, and economic drawbacks are separated distinctly. Referencing is generally clear and easy to follow, supporting overall readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms related to the topic such as 'imported,' 'preferences,' 'preservation costs,' and 'locally produced food.' There are occasional attempts to use less common items, but some phrasing remains slightly basic or repetitive, such as 'needs and preferences' appearing multiple times. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication. To reach higher bands, the writer could integrate more sophisticated paraphrasing and precise lexical chunks, moving beyond standard descriptive phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with generally good control over basic structures. The student successfully constructs conditional and transitional structures, such as 'Although it can cause economic problems, the wider choice of food...' Punctuation is accurate, and sentences are generally well-formed. However, there are some repetitive structures and minor limitations in the range of complex syntax. Grammatical errors are minimal and never impede communication, with error-free sentences appearing frequently enough to comfortably secure a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0, leaning towards accurate control.

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