Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-19

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)

Nowadays, the way people dress is increasingly influenced by fashion trends from around the world. This influence has become particularly strong because of social media, celebrities and international brands. Although this trend has some negative effects, I believe it is positive overall.

There are several reasons why global fashion has become so influential. The main reason is the rapid growth of social media. Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube allow people to see new styles from different countries within seconds. Celebrities and influencers also play an important role because their clothes and appearance are often copied by their followers. In addition, international fashion brands are now available in many countries, while online shopping makes it easy for people to buy clothes from almost anywhere in the world.

I believe this is largely a positive development. Firstly, global fashion gives people a much wider choice of clothing. They can choose styles that suit their personality rather than being limited to traditional or locally available clothes. Secondly, international fashion can promote cultural exchange. For example, people may become interested in the traditional clothing or design styles of other cultures after seeing them online. Fashion can therefore help people become more familiar with different cultures.

However, there are also some disadvantages. Following global trends can encourage excessive consumerism, as people may constantly buy new clothes simply to keep up with changing fashions. This can also contribute to environmental problems because unwanted clothes create large amounts of waste. Furthermore, the popularity of international styles may gradually reduce the use of traditional clothing, particularly among younger generations.

In conclusion, global fashion has become a powerful influence mainly because of social media, celebrities, international brands and online shopping. Despite concerns about consumerism and the decline of traditional clothing, I believe that the greater choice and cultural exchange it provides make this a positive development overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the two-part prompt. The writer investigates the causes of global fashion's strong influence—citing social media, celebrities, and international brands—and clearly articulates a position that it is a positive development overall. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical extensions, such as explaining how social media operates through platforms like Instagram and TikTok, and discussing both the benefits (wider choice, cultural exchange) and the drawbacks (excessive consumerism, waste, decline of traditional clothing) without letting the negative points overshadow the stated positive stance. The structure is well-rounded and hits every requirement of Task 2 successfully, justifying a solid band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, causes, positive aspects, negative aspects, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'The main reason is', 'In addition', 'Firstly', 'However', 'In conclusion'). Paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring that distinct themes are separated logically. The referencing across sentences is clear and natural, guiding the reader smoothly from the causes of fashion influence to the evaluative arguments and final verdict. This meets the criteria for a band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'rapid growth of social media', 'excessive consumerism', 'cultural exchange', and 'environmental problems' show a good grasp of topic-specific lection. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate awareness of style and collocation, although the vocabulary remains somewhat standard rather than sophisticated (e.g., repeating words like 'clothes', 'fashion', and 'influence'). Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, ensuring that communication is never hindered. This performance comfortably aligns with a band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing general control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of effective complex structures include 'Platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube allow people to see new styles...' and 'Although this trend has some negative effects, I believe it is positive overall.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-systematic and do not impede communication at all. Punctuation and tense consistency are maintained throughout the response. This demonstrates the control characteristic of a band 7.0.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.