Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-23

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 7.5)

Many aspects of the way people dress today are shaped by fashion trends that originate in different parts of the world. This influence has become particularly strong because of social media, international brands and the increasing globalisation of popular culture. Although this development has some drawbacks, I believe it is largely positive because it gives people greater freedom of choice and encourages cultural exchange.

One major reason why global fashion has become so influential is the rapid growth of social media. Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok allow people to see clothing styles worn by celebrities, influencers and ordinary users from around the world within seconds. As a result, a particular style can become popular internationally in a very short period of time. In addition, international fashion brands have expanded into numerous countries, making similar products available to consumers across the globe. For example, a clothing style that becomes popular among young people in the United States can quickly be adopted by teenagers in India, Europe or other regions after being promoted online.

I believe this is mainly a positive development because global fashion provides people with a wider range of choices and allows them to express their personalities more freely. In the past, people's clothing options were often strongly influenced by local customs and the products available in their region. Today, individuals can explore styles from different cultures and combine them with their traditional clothing. For instance, young Indians may wear Western-style jackets or sneakers with traditional garments such as kurtas, creating a mixture of modern and traditional fashion. This kind of cultural exchange can also increase people's awareness and appreciation of other societies.

However, global fashion can also have negative consequences. Constant exposure to new trends may encourage people to buy clothes they do not need simply to remain fashionable. This can contribute to excessive consumerism and increase textile waste. Nevertheless, I believe these disadvantages can be reduced if consumers make more responsible purchasing decisions.

In conclusion, global fashion has become a powerful influence mainly because of social media, international brands and greater cultural interconnectedness. Although it can encourage unnecessary consumption, I consider it a positive development overall because it offers greater freedom of expression and promotes cultural exchange.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the drivers of global fashion (social media, international brands) and provide a balanced, well-supported argument regarding its impact. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the example of combining Western-style jackets with traditional Indian kurtas, which effectively illustrates the cultural exchange aspect. The conclusion successfully synthesises your main points without simply repeating them. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the positive aspects and the negative consequences is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'For instance', 'However', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'increasing globalisation of popular culture', 'excessive consumerism', and 'cultural interconnectedness' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more sophisticated in places to reach the highest band. However, you avoid repetition and use collocations accurately throughout the text, which contributes to a fluent and professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although this development has some drawbacks, I believe...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. The accuracy is high, and the sentence variety demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar suitable for this level.

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