Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-02

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 7.5)

In today's world, an increasing number of consumers prefer to purchase locally produced goods rather than imported products. This trend is mainly driven by concerns about quality, the desire to support local businesses, and environmental considerations. I believe this is largely a positive development because it can stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, and reduce the environmental impact of transportation.

One major reason behind this trend is the desire of local residents to boost the local economy and improve living standards. Purchasing products from local shops increases their revenue and allows them to expand their businesses. As a result, more employment opportunities can be created, which can strengthen the local economy. Moreover, locally produced goods can be more affordable because they do not involve some of the additional costs associated with international trade, such as transportation expenses and import duties. For example, when international companies sell their products overseas, consumers often have to pay additional transportation costs, import duties and other taxes, which can significantly increase the final price.

Furthermore, buying local products can have positive effects on the environment. Imported goods often have to travel long distances by various modes of transportation, which increases transportation-related emissions. For example, the greater the distance goods have to travel, the more greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. Therefore, purchasing locally produced goods can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting products across countries.

Nevertheless, the importance of international trade should not be overlooked. It plays an essential role in maintaining economic cooperation between countries and gives consumers access to a wider range of products. Despite this, I believe that the growing preference for local goods is a positive trend overall because of its economic and environmental benefits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the trend—economic support and environmental concerns—and provide a firm position that it is a positive development. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations, such as the link between local purchasing and job creation, as well as the reduction of carbon emissions. The structure is balanced, and the conclusion effectively reinforces your main argument. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your examples by mentioning a specific industry or a real-world scenario to add more depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the reasons for the trend and your opinion is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Nevertheless,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is consistent, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text, making it easy to follow your line of reasoning.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'stimulate local economies,' 'environmental impact,' and 'carbon footprint' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is appropriate and clear, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations and idiomatic expressions. For instance, instead of 'boost the local economy,' you might use 'invigorate the local economy' or 'foster regional economic growth.' Overall, the lexical control is solid and supports your arguments well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'The greater the distance goods have to travel, the more greenhouse gases are released,' which shows good control over comparative structures. Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The sentences are generally error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions or conditional clauses, to further demonstrate your grammatical flexibility.

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