Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-06

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 8.0)

In recent years, an increasing number of consumers have preferred to purchase locally produced goods rather than imported products. This trend can be attributed to several factors, including concerns about supporting local businesses and the quality of domestic products. In my opinion, this is a largely positive development because it can strengthen local economies and reduce environmental damage.

One major reason why people choose locally produced goods is that they want to support businesses in their own communities. When consumers buy products made locally, more of their money remains within the local economy, helping small businesses create jobs and expand their operations. For example, people in many communities prefer to buy vegetables from local farmers because they know that their purchases directly support local producers. Another reason is that locally produced goods are often considered fresher and of higher quality. This is particularly true for food products, as locally grown fruit, vegetables and dairy products usually travel shorter distances before reaching consumers.

I believe that this trend has several significant advantages. First, purchasing local products can reduce the environmental impact of transportation. Imported goods often have to travel thousands of kilometres by ships, planes or trucks, which can result in considerable carbon emissions. Buying locally can therefore contribute to a more sustainable economy. Second, this trend can help preserve local industries and employment. If consumers consistently purchase domestic products, local companies may become more competitive and create additional employment opportunities.

However, locally produced goods are not always better. In some cases, imported products may be cheaper or offer greater variety. For instance, certain electronic devices and clothing may be more affordable when produced in countries with lower manufacturing costs. Nevertheless, I believe that the economic and environmental benefits of supporting local production outweigh these disadvantages.

In conclusion, consumers are increasingly buying local goods because they want to support their communities and obtain fresh, reliable products. Overall, I consider this a positive trend because it benefits local economies, protects employment and can reduce the environmental costs associated with international transportation.

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, such as supporting local businesses and product freshness, and you provide a clear position that this is a positive development. Your arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of local farmers and the environmental impact of transportation. The inclusion of a counter-argument regarding cost and variety adds depth to your analysis, demonstrating a balanced perspective. You have successfully met all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices effectively to link your points. For instance, the transition from the reasons for the trend to the evaluation of its impact is smooth. You use linking words like 'In addition,' 'First,' 'Second,' and 'However' appropriately to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. You use terms like 'sustainable economy,' 'carbon emissions,' and 'manufacturing costs' accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your ideas clearly. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band; for example, instead of 'largely positive development,' you could use 'predominantly beneficial phenomenon.' However, the current range is sufficient to express your arguments with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your control of grammar is strong, with a variety of complex sentence structures used throughout the essay. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. You successfully use conditional structures and relative clauses, such as 'If consumers consistently purchase domestic products, local companies may become more competitive.' There are no significant errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical control, which is consistent with a high band score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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