Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-28

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 6.5)

Nowadays, people's clothing preferences are increasingly influenced by international fashion trends. There are several reasons why global fashion has become so influential, and this development has both positive and negative effects.

One major factor behind the rise of global fashion is the rapid development of communication technologies, especially social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. These tools allow users to instantly access and follow trends from around the world, helping them explore diverse cultures and improve their sense of fashion. Moreover, another contributing factor is the development of global transportation. Air travel and modern transport systems make it easier for people to travel internationally, while international shipping allows fashion products to be delivered within a few weeks from almost anywhere in the world. For instance, China is one of the world's largest producers of clothing and supplies fashion products to many countries.

However, I believe that the strong influence of global fashion has some drawbacks. The main concern is that people may feel pressured to follow new trends and buy new clothes regularly. This can lead to unnecessary spending and increase the amount of clothing waste because many fashion items are quickly replaced by new styles. Furthermore, the growing popularity of international fashion might reduce people's interest in traditional clothing and weaken their cultural identity. Therefore, although global fashion gives people more choices, its negative effects on personal finances, the environment and local traditions should not be overlooked.

In conclusion, global fashion has become more influential because of social media, international celebrities and online shopping. Although it gives people more clothing choices and allows them to follow the latest trends around the world, I believe it is a negative development overall, as it can encourage unnecessary spending, increase clothing waste and reduce interest in traditional clothing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, examining both the reasons for the strong influence of global fashion and whether this is a positive or negative development. The position is clear throughout the essay, being explicitly stated in the introduction, body paragraphs, and reinforced in the conclusion. Ideas are relevant and well-supported, particularly the discussion on social media, transport technologies, environmental waste, and cultural identity. For example, the mention of China as a major clothing producer and the reference to TikTok and Instagram provide concrete support for the points raised. Although some arguments could be extended even further to reach Band 8 standards, the task is fully and effectively addressed, meeting all criteria for a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from an introduction to causes, then to drawbacks, and finally to a well-synthesised conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without becoming mechanical, as seen in transitions such as 'One major factor', 'Moreover', and 'However'. Paragraphing is handled appropriately to separate the distinct strands of the prompt. Referencing is clear and unambiguous throughout the text. While paragraphing and cohesive control are solid and clear, it stops just short of the more sophisticated cohesion required for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient lexical range to allow for some flexibility and precision in writing. Less common vocabulary items are attempted and used successfully, such as 'clothing preferences', 'rapid development', 'unnecessary spending', and 'cultural identity'. Word choices and collocations are generally natural, as seen in 'global fashion trends' and 'personal finances'. There are very few lexical errors, and spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. While the vocabulary is competent and allows the message to be communicated clearly, it lacks the broader flexibility, natural control, and skilful use of highly uncommon lexical items characteristic of Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures alongside simpler forms. The student successfully incorporates subordinate clauses, such as in 'There are several reasons why global fashion has become so influential' and 'although global fashion gives people more choices'. Control over grammar and punctuation is strong, resulting in a high frequency of error-free sentences. When errors do occur, they are minimal and do not impede communication. The sentence structures are well-controlled and varied, demonstrating a solid grasp of grammar appropriate for a Band 7 level.

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