Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-14

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 5.5)

Most of the time consumers show more interest in goods which are locally produced. Although some consider it negative, I believe it to be extremely benefecial. Not only because of its affordability, time saving, but also becuase of sustainable.

There are multiple advantages associated with the locally perchased items. Firstly, These items save money because they locally prepared thus in such case less cost for all such products . As when we manufacture goods in its own area so in such case we are saving the export cost. Take an example of Germany, a survey conducted in 2023 the cost of goods which are locally prepared was far less as compared to imported one . Thus, this mega benefits has the potential to make this development a positive trend.

Secondly, apart from affordability, time saving can also be another major benefits. As the locally produced goods are easily available so in such case we don't need to wait for items arival. For example, in Canada Aritzia a clothing and apparel brand, we can buy clothes from it and these are available on the spot instead of waiting for large time. Hence, time saving can also be labelled as the most significant advantage, giving this development a positive outlook.

Finally, locally manufactured items also sustainable can also be cosidered as leading benefits .As these goods are designed in such a way that reduce social harm throughout their entire life.

To sum up, even though perchasing locally manufactured goods have some drawback too, but I believe that the benefits it brings in terms of afforability, time saving and sustainable can make this development an positive one.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, exploring reasons why consumers buy local goods (affordability, time saving, sustainability) and presenting a clear position that this is a positive trend. Ideas are introduced and supported with examples, such as referencing a survey in Germany and clothing brand Aritzia in Canada. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive in phrasing, and the final point regarding sustainability is cut short and lacks full elaboration. Therefore, the response aligns best with the Band 6 descriptor, as it addresses all parts of the task with relevant ideas, though some are under-developed or briefly presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is divided into paragraphs, maintaining a clear overall structure with an introduction, body paragraphs addressing specific reasons, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to signal progression, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Finally'. However, referencing and logical transitions are at times faulty or mechanical, as seen in awkward transitional phrases like 'Not only because of its affordability, time saving, but also becuase of sustainable' in the introduction. Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion can be clunky, placing this response firmly in Band 6.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student attempts a range of vocabulary appropriate to the topic, including terms like 'affordability', 'sustainability', 'imported goods', and 'locally manufactured'. However, there are frequent errors in word formation, spelling, and word choice throughout the text, such as 'benefecial', 'becuase of sustainable', 'perchased', and 'arival'. These lexical errors and awkward collocations, such as 'mega benefits' and 'large time', restrict the score. The vocabulary is adequate for the task and communication is not severely impeded, making Band 5.5 appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and relative clauses. However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with frequent errors including missing verbs, incorrect prepositions, and structural fragments (e.g., 'As when we manufacture goods in its own area so in such case we are saving...'). Punctuation and article usage also show persistent issues. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of grammatical errors prevents the essay from reaching Band 6, fitting best into Band 5.

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