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 domestic products, 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, more 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 expressing a clear opinion on whether it is positive or negative. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas regarding economic support, employment, and cultural heritage are relevant and well-supported. However, the development of the 'negative' aspect of the trend is somewhat brief compared to the positive arguments. To reach a higher band, ensure that the counter-arguments are explored with the same depth as your main points, perhaps by providing a more concrete example of why relying solely on local goods might limit consumer choice or global economic integration.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, such as economic benefits or cultural significance. You use cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the flow between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, though some sentences could be linked more tightly to improve the overall progression of ideas. Overall, the structure is effective and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'ongoing debate', 'employment opportunities', and 'cultural significance' are used appropriately. There are some instances where word choice could be more sophisticated; for example, 'status conscious people' is a good collocation, but 'seek validation of society' is slightly awkward. You occasionally rely on simpler terms like 'good' or 'items' when more specific terminology (e.g., 'commodities', 'merchandise', 'provisions') would enhance the academic tone. 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 sentences are clear and grammatically sound, there are some minor punctuation and structural issues, such as the comma splice in the second paragraph: '...locally manufactured, this leads to...'. A semicolon or a full stop would be more appropriate here. You show good control over basic grammar, and your errors are infrequent and do not cause confusion. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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