Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-21
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 5.5)
Global fashion trends have become an important part of modern life, and many people choice their clothes according to international styles. this essay will discuss why global fashion has become so influential and argue that it has both positive and negative effect , although I believe its overall impact can be positive if people make sensible choices. One major reason for the influence of global fashion is social media platforms such as instagram, Tiktok and Youtube allow people to use new styles from different countries within seconds . Celebrities and Influencers also Incourage people to buy particular clothes and shoes. In addition ,International clothing brands are now available in many countries making fashion able products easier to access . There are several positive effects of this development . Firstly global fashion gives people more choices and allow them to express their personality and creativity through clothing . Secondly , it can support the economy by creating jobs in clothing production, marketing and retail. Furthermore, people can learn about different cultures through traditional and modern clothing style from around the world. However, global fashion has some negative effects . Many people buy new clothes simply because a style become popular , which can lead to unnecessary spending. Fast fashion can also create large amount of waste and harm the environment. Some young people may feel pressure to follow trends in order to fit in with others. In conclusion , global fashion has a strong influence mainly because of social media , celebrities and International brands.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, identifying reasons for the influence of global fashion (social media, celebrities, accessibility) and discussing both positive and negative aspects. The position is clear throughout. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For example, the point about the economy creating jobs is mentioned but not explained or supported with a specific example. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your arguments with more detailed explanations or concrete examples. The conclusion is also quite brief and does not fully summarise the main points or restate the position effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organised into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for positives and negatives, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'However' are used to guide the reader. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical, and there are issues with paragraphing and spacing, such as the large gaps between sections. Referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that ideas transition more smoothly rather than relying on a list-like structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to express your ideas clearly. You use some topic-specific terms like 'fast fashion', 'international brands', and 'social media platforms'. However, there are some errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'choice' instead of 'choose', 'Incourage' instead of 'encourage', and 'fashion able' instead of 'fashionable'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited; using more precise or academic synonyms would enhance the quality of your writing. For instance, instead of 'new styles', you could use 'emerging trends' or 'contemporary aesthetics'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'many people choice their clothes' (verb form error), 'this essay' (capitalisation error), 'allow people to use new styles' (should be 'adopt' or 'follow'), and 'a style become popular' (tense error). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage, and ensure that your complex sentences are constructed accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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