Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-14

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 products imported from all over the world.[SD1.1] Although this trend can create difficulties for local farmers and increase the environmental cost of transporting food over long distances,[SD2.1] I believe it is generally a positive development because it gives consumers greater choice,[SD3.1] improves access to different types of food and can encourage higher standards of quality.[SD4.1]

The main advantage of this development is the greater variety available to consumers. [SD5.1]People are no longer restricted to food that is produced in their own region and can easily purchase products that were previously difficult or impossible to obtain.[SD6.1] This is particularly beneficial for people who live away from their countries of origin, as they can maintain their traditional diets by purchasing familiar ingredients.[SD7.1] In addition, international food can introduce consumers to different cultures and eating habits. [SD8.1]For example, a supermarket in Bangladesh may offer Italian pasta, Japanese sauces or Indian spices, allowing customers to experience foods from different parts of the world without travelling abroad.[SD9.1]

Another benefit is that international competition can encourage producers to improve the quality and efficiency of their products.[SD10.1] When consumers have access to products from multiple countries, local producers may need to improve their standards, packaging and production methods in order to remain competitive. [SD11.1]Large-scale international trade can also make certain foods available throughout the year, rather than only during their local growing season. [SD12.1]As a result, consumers can enjoy a more consistent supply of food at different times of the year.[SD13.1]

However, there are some disadvantages to consider. Imported food has to be transported over considerable distances, which can increase fuel consumption and greenhouse-gas emissions. [SD14.1]Furthermore, small-scale local farmers may struggle to compete with cheaper imported products, particularly when they lack the resources of large international producers. If this problem becomes severe, local agricultural businesses may decline and traditional food production could gradually disappear. [SD15.1]Nevertheless, these effects can be reduced through appropriate government policies, such as supporting local farmers and encouraging environmentally responsible food production.

In conclusion, although the global availability of food can put pressure on local producers and contribute to environmental problems, I consider it a largely positive development.[SD16.1] The greater variety and accessibility it provides, together with the potential for improved quality and year-round availability, offer substantial benefits to consumers.[SD17.1] With suitable support for local agriculture and sustainable transport, these advantages can be achieved without seriously harming domestic producers or the environment.[S

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting a clear position throughout and balancing both positive and negative developments. In the introduction, the writer outlines both the environmental drawbacks and the economic challenges for local farmers, whilst firmly establishing a positive stance on consumer benefits. Body paragraphs extend and support relevant ideas effectively, such as exploring variety, cultural exposure, and year-round availability. The counter-argument acknowledging long-distance transport costs and agricultural competition is well-integrated and logically evaluated. The conclusion neatly synthesises the main points. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from introduction to supporting body paragraphs, a counter-argument, and a comprehensive conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Another benefit is', and 'However' are used naturally and unobtrusively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme, such as consumer variety, quality improvements, or disadvantages. Referencing is clear and precise throughout, maintaining strong cohesion from start to finish, which fully satisfies the Band 8 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student displays a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion on globalisation and agriculture. Phrases such as 'maintain their traditional diets', 'international competition', 'greenhouse-gas emissions', and 'sustainable transport' demonstrate an ability to use less common lexical items with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choice is generally precise, with only occasional minor inaccuracies that do not impede communication. The lexical range comfortably supports the argument, reflecting strong Band 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including concessive clauses ('Although this trend can create difficulties...'), conditional structures ('If this problem becomes severe...'), and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of accuracy. The control over grammar and syntax is strong throughout, allowing complex thoughts to be expressed clearly and fluently. This meets the criteria for Band 8, where the majority of sentences are error-free and control is well-maintained.

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