Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-30

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)

The globalisation of the food industry has made it increasingly common for consumers to purchase products imported from countries around the world. Although this development can have certain drawbacks, I believe that the greater variety and accessibility it provides make it predominantly positive.

One significant advantage is that international food markets give consumers access to a much wider range of products than would otherwise be available. People can experience different cuisines and obtain ingredients that cannot be produced locally because of climate or geographical limitations. For example, supermarkets in India routinely stock olive oil from Europe, pasta from Italy and fruits such as kiwis and apples from countries with climates unsuitable for their cultivation in most parts of India. This variety not only gives consumers greater freedom of choice but also encourages people to explore different cultures through their food.

Another benefit is that international trade can support food security and reduce consumers' dependence on local agricultural production. If a particular crop is damaged by drought, flooding or disease in one region, imports from other countries can help maintain supplies and prevent severe shortages. Furthermore, international competition can encourage producers to improve the quality of their products and can give consumers access to food at more competitive prices.

Nevertheless, the global food trade can have negative consequences. Transporting food over long distances contributes to carbon emissions, while imported products may compete with locally produced goods and put financial pressure on small farmers. There is also a risk that consumers become increasingly dependent on highly processed international food products.

Overall, while the internationalisation of food markets creates environmental and economic concerns, I believe its advantages outweigh these disadvantages. Greater consumer choice, cultural exchange and a more resilient food supply make access to food from around the world a largely positive development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position that the development is predominantly positive, while acknowledging the drawbacks. The ideas are well developed and extended throughout the essay. For instance, the second paragraph provides specific, logical examples of international food availability, such as olive oil and pasta in India, alongside regional climatic limitations. The third paragraph thoughtfully explores food security and supply chain resilience. The position is maintained consistently from the introduction through to the conclusion, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction through well-supported body paragraphs to a balanced conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic, such as variety, food security, and environmental/economic drawbacks. Cohesive devices are managed skilfully without being obtrusive; phrases such as 'One significant advantage', 'Another benefit', 'Nevertheless', and 'Overall' help to structure the text effectively. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Less common lexical items are used skilfully, including 'globalisation of the food industry', 'geographical limitations', 'resilient food supply', and 'environmental and economic concerns'. There is good awareness of collocation and style. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate, supporting the flow of ideas. The vocabulary easily satisfies the requirements for a high band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex forms are handled with confidence, such as 'products than would otherwise be available' and 'If a particular crop is damaged... imports from other countries can help maintain supplies'. Control over punctuation, relative clauses, and conditional structures is strong. Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but grammar and punctuation never impede communication.

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