Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-28

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)

There has been a growing trend in consumers to choose the products that are locally manufactured rather than opting to purchase imported goods. This essay will discuss the cause of this trend before arguing that is a positive development, especially in shaping up the economical structure of local business market.

Most people, including myself, prefer to purchase goods that are locally produced instead of choosing imported ones. Reason for this is that domestic goods are cheaper, better quality and they come with easy return-policies.

In my opinion this is positive and beneficial for the society. If local businesses prosper, a lot of jobs are created, and society grows. Subsequently, if unemployment is eradicated, there are less crimes in the community. Furthermore, locally-made products play an integral role in boosting up the economy. Also, supporting small local business creates a positive relationship among members of the community. Local products also come with an easy return or exchange policy so you don't face any difficulty if a product is faulty. When a society is financially strong other aspects like security are improved as well.

In conclusion, this is a positive trend because society as whole progresses when more and more people purchase locally made products, it boosts the economy, create more jobs, hence there is a great sense of happiness among people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing the reasons for buying local goods and stating a clear position that it is a positive trend. However, the development is limited due to the under-length issue, as the response contains only 220 words, falling short of the 250-word minimum. While ideas such as economic growth, job creation, and easy return policies are mentioned, they are somewhat repetitive and lack deeper extension. For instance, the point about return policies is repeated in both the second and third paragraphs. Because the length requirement was not met and certain ideas remain under-developed, this meets the Band 5.0 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a basic structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, showing an overall progression. However, paragraphing is somewhat erratic; the second paragraph is exceptionally short (just two sentences), and the third paragraph packs multiple distinct ideas (jobs, crime, economy, community relationships, return policies) into a dense block of text without adequate separation. Cohesive devices are used, but sometimes mechanically or repetitively, such as the frequent use of 'also' and 'furthermore'. Referencing is generally clear, but the logical organisation suffers from the lack of well-developed, distinct thematic paragraphs. These features place the response firmly at Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items such as 'domestically manufactured', 'eradicated', and 'integral role'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'shaping up the economical structure' instead of 'shaping the economic structure' and 'boosting up' instead of 'boosting'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary does not impede communication, allowing the writer to secure a Band 6.0 for lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'There has been a growing trend in consumers to choose...' and 'If local businesses prosper, a lot of jobs are created...'. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout the text, including 'a growing trend in consumers to choosing' (preposition and gerund issues) and 'there are less crimes' (which should be 'fewer crimes'). Nevertheless, these errors do not impede overall communication. The control over grammar is sufficient for a Band 6.0.

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