Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-22

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 7.0)

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 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of global food availability in supermarkets and clearly stating a well-developed position. The writer presents a clear stand in the introduction that this is a positive development, and supports this with relevant ideas in body paragraphs covering variety, nutrition, and economic factors, alongside a fair acknowledgment of environmental and local agricultural drawbacks. Ideas are well extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning French cheeses and Japanese sushi ingredients, which satisfies the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting from a well-framed introduction to distinct body paragraphs introduced by logical signposts like 'Firstly,' 'Secondly,' and 'However,' leading to a strong conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct ideas, fitting well within the Band 7 to Band 8 criteria for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'transformed the way people shop and eat,' 'enriching their culinary experiences,' and 'environmental degradation' demonstrate a good command of less common lexical items with an awareness of style and collocation. While there are a few minor generalities, the vocabulary is precise enough to convey complex ideas clearly and smoothly, aligning solidly with a Band 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer displays a very good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of well-constructed complex clauses include 'Consumers have access to a diverse range of foods that were previously unavailable or hard to find' and 'while the global availability of food in supermarkets presents environmental challenges, the benefits... make it a positive development overall.' Errors are virtually absent, placing this securely at a Band 8 level for grammatical accuracy and range.

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