Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Many aspects of the way people dress today are influenced by global fashion trends.

How has global fashion become such a strong influence on people's lives? Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Many aspects of the way people dress today are influenced by global fashion trends. This influence has become particularly strong because of social media, where celebrities and influencers regularly showcase the latest styles. Although global fashion allows people to explore new styles and express themselves, I believe it is a negative development when it causes individuals to lose touch with their cultural identity.

The primary reason global fashion has become so influential is the widespread use of social media platforms. Instagram, TikTok and other online platforms expose users to clothing trends from around the world on a daily basis. Celebrities and influencers often promote particular brands or styles, making them appear fashionable and desirable to their followers. As a result, people may feel encouraged to imitate these figures in order to look attractive or fit in with current trends. For example, a particular style worn by a popular influencer can quickly become fashionable among young people in different countries, regardless of their local traditions.

However, this development can have negative consequences for cultural identity. Traditional clothing is not merely a form of dress; it often represents a community's history, values and heritage. If younger generations increasingly prefer international fashion to traditional garments, they may gradually lose their connection with these cultural practices. For instance, young people who regularly wear Western-style clothing may become less interested in the traditional clothes associated with their own communities. Over time, this could contribute to the decline of cultural traditions and reduce the diversity of clothing around the world.

In conclusion, social media has made global fashion a powerful influence by allowing people to easily follow celebrities and international trends. Although this provides greater freedom of choice, I believe it is a negative development when it results in people abandoning their traditional clothing and becoming disconnected from their cultural heritage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly explain the influence of social media and celebrities as the primary driver of global fashion trends. Furthermore, you present a balanced yet firm position regarding the negative impact on cultural identity. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the role of Instagram and TikTok, and the loss of traditional garments. The argument is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the nuance of whether this is an inevitable evolution of culture rather than purely a negative development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the influence of social media and the subsequent cultural consequences is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'For instance', and 'As a result' effectively. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'cultural identity', 'widespread use', and 'heritage' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations to demonstrate a wider lexical range. For example, instead of 'showcase the latest styles', you might use 'disseminate prevailing aesthetic trends'. Overall, the vocabulary is accurate and contributes to a clear, professional tone throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex structures, such as conditional sentences and subordinate clauses, with very few errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is consistently accurate. The flow is natural, and there are no instances where grammatical slips impede communication. The structure is sophisticated enough to support your arguments effectively. To move toward a band 9, ensure that even the most complex sentence constructions remain perfectly natural and error-free, though your current performance is already very strong.

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