Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17

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 7.0)

Global fashion has become a significant influence on people's lives across the world. This is largely because social media, international brands and online shopping have made fashion trends increasingly accessible and allowed them to spread rapidly across national borders. Although global fashion provides some benefits, I believe that its overall influence is negative because it encourages excessive consumption and contributes to environmental problems.

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 new clothing styles, trends and products from different parts of the world almost instantly. Celebrities and social media influencers also play an important role by promoting particular brands and styles, which can encourage their followers to adopt similar fashions. In addition, the expansion of international fashion companies and online shopping has made it much easier for consumers to purchase clothing from other countries. Consequently, fashion trends that were once limited to particular regions can now become popular among people worldwide within a short period of time.

Despite these benefits and increased accessibility, I believe that the strong influence of global fashion is predominantly negative. One important concern is that constantly changing trends can encourage excessive consumerism. People may feel pressure to replace their clothes frequently in order to remain fashionable, even when their existing clothing is still usable. This can lead to unnecessary spending and a culture in which clothing is treated as disposable rather than as a long-term purchase. Furthermore, increased consumption contributes to environmental problems. The production of large quantities of inexpensive clothing requires substantial amounts of water, energy and raw materials, while unwanted garments contribute to textile waste. Therefore, the widespread influence of global fashion can have consequences that extend beyond individual consumers to the environment.

In conclusion, global fashion has become highly influential mainly because social media, international brands and online shopping allow trends to spread and products to be accessed easily around the world. While this development can support self-expression and greater cultural exposure, I believe its overall impact is negative because it promotes excessive consumption and increases environmental pressures.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. The introduction clearly outlines why global fashion has become influential and establishes a definite stance that it is a negative development. Each body paragraph explores a distinct aspect: the first examines the mechanisms of influence (social media, influencers, and online shopping), while the second explores the negative consequences (excessive consumerism and environmental degradation). Ideas are well-developed, extended, and supported with logical explanations and examples, fully meeting the Band 7 and leaning towards higher descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introductory overview, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs, and a concise concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'In addition', 'Consequently', and 'Despite these benefits' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used logically and effectively, ensuring a seamless reading experience that meets the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student displays a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'excessive consumerism', 'disposable rather than as a long-term purchase', and 'textile waste' demonstrate an ability to use less common lexical items with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally natural and precise, though occasional minor slips may occur. The vocabulary is more than adequate to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively, fitting comfortably into Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide variety of complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples include concessive clauses ('Although global fashion provides some benefits...'), conditional meanings, and participial phrases ('while unwanted garments contribute to textile waste'). Control of grammar and punctuation is good throughout the text, with only minor non-systematic slips that do not impede communication at all. The structural variety and accuracy strongly support a Band 7.5 score, which is rounded appropriately.

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