Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-29

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some consumers are increasingly choosing to buy goods that are produced in their local area, rather than imported goods.

What are the reasons for this?

Is this a positive or a negative trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

There is an ongoing debate regarding people who prefer to purchase products that are locally produced in their area rather than buying imported goods. This is a positive trend as it supports the local economy and creates employment opportunities.

In many countries, people prefer to buy goods that are locally manufactured, this leads to an increase in demand for the items and their production. Locally made items are usually affordable and accessible, which attracts the consumer ultimately benefitting both the seller and the producer. For example, items produced in the local market face less taxation and are thus more affordable as compared to imported items which are expensive due to taxes and duties at customs. Another reason to support this trend is an increase in employment opportunities. When people purchase their own production, industries flourish and expand based on the demand which positively influences the job market.

Moreover, many local products like food items, clothing and furniture are a reflection of the country's heritage and cultural significance. Homemade crafts and traditional arts are recognized worldwide if they are locally popular.

On the other hand, many people trust imported brands due to their global popularity and consumption. Status conscious people mostly prefer international commodities to seek validation of society. Although imported items provide a wider range of choices and improved quality, local items are cheaper, convenient, offer freshness and quality of food.

In conclusion, while both arguments hold merit, I believe the advantages of this trend outweigh the disadvantages. This is because it leads to community support and promotes local wealth and culture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt by identifying reasons for the trend and clearly stating your position that it is a positive development. Your ideas are relevant, such as the economic benefits of local production and the cultural significance of local goods. However, some points could be developed further; for instance, the discussion on 'status-conscious' consumers is interesting but feels slightly disconnected from the main argument. To reach a higher band, ensure that every paragraph directly supports your central thesis. Overall, your position is consistent and the response is well-focused on the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. However, some transitions between sentences within paragraphs could be smoother to improve the flow. For example, the jump from discussing taxation to employment opportunities could be bridged more effectively. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly. Phrases like 'ongoing debate', 'employment opportunities', and 'cultural significance' are used appropriately. There are some instances where word choice could be more precise, such as 'purchase their own production', which is slightly awkward; 'purchase locally produced goods' would be more natural. You have attempted to use some less common vocabulary, which is good, but there is room to incorporate more sophisticated collocations to enhance the academic tone of the essay. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most of your sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical slips, such as the comma splice in '...locally manufactured, this leads to...'. A better approach would be to use a semicolon or start a new sentence. Your control of punctuation and tense is generally good, and the errors present do not cause difficulty for the reader. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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