Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-13

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 recent years, an increasing number of consumers have shown a preference for purchasing goods produced locally rather than imported products. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including concerns about quality, support for local businesses, and growing environmental awareness. In my view, this is a largely positive development, although imported goods continue to have an important role in providing consumers with greater choice.

One major reason for this trend is that consumers often have greater confidence in locally produced goods. Products made within the local area are generally easier to trace, and buyers may have a better understanding of how they are produced and where their materials come from. In addition, purchasing locally made products allows consumers to support small businesses and local farmers, thereby helping to create employment and keep money within the community. For example, people may choose locally grown vegetables because they are perceived to be fresher while simultaneously supporting farmers in their own region.

Another important factor is the environmental impact of transportation. Imported goods often have to travel thousands of kilometres by road, sea or air before reaching consumers, which can generate substantial carbon emissions. By contrast, locally manufactured products usually require shorter supply chains and therefore tend to have a smaller transportation-related environmental footprint. Furthermore, some consumers deliberately purchase local products because they want to preserve traditional crafts and encourage the continuation of local industries.

I believe that this is predominantly a positive trend. Supporting local producers can strengthen regional economies, protect employment and encourage communities to become more economically self-sufficient. It can also contribute to more sustainable consumption by reducing the distance that goods travel. Nevertheless, there are circumstances in which imported products are beneficial. Certain countries lack the climate, natural resources or technology needed to produce particular goods, meaning that international trade is essential for providing consumers with products that would otherwise be unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

In conclusion, consumers are increasingly choosing local goods because they value their perceived quality, wish to support their communities and are becoming more conscious of environmental issues. Although imported products remain necessary in many situations, I believe the growing preference for locally produced goods is an overwhelmingly positive trend for both economies and the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The student clearly identifies the reasons for buying local goods, such as quality assurance, community support, and environmental benefits, while explicitly discussing whether this is a positive or negative trend. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay, introduced in the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as mentioning locally grown vegetables and the reduction of transportation-related carbon emissions. The content is directly relevant to the prompt, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the requirements without any wandering off-topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, and the essay demonstrates a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs discussing reasons and evaluative stance, concluding effectively. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt (e.g., consumer confidence, environmental impact, and the nuanced view on imports). Cohesive devices are managed well without feeling mechanical, utilizing phrases such as 'In addition', 'By contrast', and 'Nevertheless'. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout, ensuring the reader easily follows the line of argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an upper-intermediate to advanced level. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'carbon emissions', 'supply chains', 'economically self-sufficient', and 'prohibitively expensive'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is flawless. While the vocabulary does not quite reach the effortless sophistication of a Band 9, it is comfortably within Band 8 territory due to its natural flow and precision in discussing economic and environmental concepts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide range of structures, blending complex and simple sentences seamlessly. Examples of complex structures include 'Products made within the local area are generally easier to trace, and buyers may have a better understanding of how they are produced and where their materials come from.' The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with a high degree of control over punctuation, subordinate clauses, and modal verbs. Only very occasional, minor slips might be imagined, but the overall grammatical accuracy is remarkably strong, fully justifying a Band 8 score.

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