Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-11-01

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)

In recent years consumers are increasingly choosing to buy goods that are made locally rather than imported. This is mainly because people think local products are fresh or of high quality which contributes to the economy. In my opinion it is a positive trend rather than negative one.

One main reason people buy locally is to help local vendors and farmer and contributing to the economy. People like having fresh and high-quality product which can be seen in local market. By buying products locally people can see or track from which place the food is coming from like fruits, vegetables and meat. It helps the local vendors or farmers to maintain the trust among consumers. For instance when USA put tariff on Canada , the Canadian supermarket started putting up made in Canada boards as well as started pushing to buy goods made locally to support Canada's Economy.

Second main point is positive impact on the economy. As people push towards goods made locally it will create employment opportunities for many people specially farmers and vendors which will strengthen the economy. For instance if people start to buy local produce it will help in reducing unemployment rate for the country and aiding local farmers and vendors.

In my opinion , though buying good from different chains provides a variety of option but buying locally can put huge impact in the economy. It not only helps local markets but also the manufacturer , farmers and vendors. It also helps in increasing employment opportunity as well as providing high quality product at an affordable price.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address both parts of the question: you give reasons for choosing local goods and clearly state that you see this as a positive trend. Support for helping farmers and vendors is relevant, and the Canada example makes the discussion more concrete. However, the reasons overlap: the second body paragraph repeats the economic benefit already introduced in the first, rather than developing a distinct explanation. The claim that local products are fresh or high-quality is also asserted without much explanation, and the final paragraph mainly restates earlier points. To strengthen the response, explain the causes and benefits in more depth, and make the example show clearly how local purchasing supports producers or consumers.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph, and the main position is easy to follow. Sequencing phrases such as “One main reason” and “Second main point” help signal the organisation. However, progression is limited because both body paragraphs focus on economic support and employment, so the second point does not add a clearly separate line of reasoning. Some links are also mechanical, and repeated references to “local vendors,” “farmers” and “the economy” make the discussion feel circular. Build a clearer progression by assigning each paragraph a distinct reason, then use pronouns or varied linking expressions to connect ideas without repeating the same wording.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for the topic, including “imported,” “employment opportunities,” “unemployment rate” and “high-quality,” so the reader can understand your main points. There are also attempts to express more specific ideas, such as tracing where food comes from. However, several word choices and collocations are awkward or imprecise, including “fresh or of high quality,” “maintain the trust among consumers,” and “huge impact in the economy.” Repetition of “local,” “economy,” and “farmers and vendors” also limits flexibility. Aim for more natural combinations and a wider range of precise terms, such as “build consumer confidence” and “boost the local economy,” while checking singular and plural forms in phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple sentences and longer structures, including a contrast clause beginning “though buying goods from different chains…” and a conditional example with “if people start to buy local produce.” Most ideas remain understandable, but some grammatical errors occur. For example, “local vendors and farmer” has a number-agreement problem, while “people think local products are fresh or of high quality which contributes” has an unclear clause connection and agreement. Articles and punctuation are also inconsistent, as in “rather than negative one” and the spaces before commas in “In my opinion ,”. To improve, check articles, plural forms and subject–verb agreement, and divide long sentences when the relationship between clauses is unclear.

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