Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30

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)

Global fashion has become an undeniable force in modern society, primarily driven by digital connectivity, celebrity culture, and the rise of affordable mass production. Social media platforms seamlessly broadcast international trends instantly, while fast-fashion retailers rapidly replicate runway designs. This accessibility transforms clothing from a basic necessity into a powerful medium for self-expression. However, this global phenomenon is a mixed development that brings both significant benefits and serious drawbacks.

On the positive side, global fashion democratizes style and fosters personal identity. Trendy apparel is no longer exclusive to the wealthy; mass production allows individuals from all socioeconomic backgrounds to experiment with different looks and express their creativity. Furthermore, globalized trends build cultural bridges, creating a shared visual language that unites people across different borders and backgrounds.

Conversely, this trend poses severe environmental and cultural threats. The fast-fashion business model relies on rapid production cycles, which generate immense textile waste, deplete natural water resources, and accelerate chemical pollution. Societally, the dominance of Western-centric global brands often overshadows local customs, leading to a gradual loss of unique cultural heritage and traditional regional dress. Additionally, the constant pressure to remain fashionable creates a toxic culture of overconsumption, burdening consumers both financially and mentally.

In conclusion, while global fashion successfully unites people through creative expression and affordable styles, its negative impacts cannot be ignored. The environmental degradation and cultural homogenization it causes present genuine global challenges. Ultimately, it represents a mixed development, highlighting the urgent need for a shift toward sustainable consumer habits so that fashion's creative benefits do not come at the cost of the planet.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer clearly explains how global fashion has become influential through 'digital connectivity, celebrity culture, and the rise of affordable mass production' in the introduction. Furthermore, a well-defined position is maintained throughout the essay, identifying the development as a 'mixed development' that brings both advantages and disadvantages. Ideas are effectively extended and supported; for instance, the positive aspects are supported by discussing how fashion democratizes style and builds cultural bridges, while the negative aspects are robustly illustrated through environmental degradation and cultural homogenization. The arguments are fully developed and relevant to the prompt, easily meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Cohesion and logical progression are managed expertly throughout this response. The essay is divided into clear, logical paragraphs with a distinct introduction, two body paragraphs exploring opposing views, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without feeling mechanical or obtrusive, as seen with transition markers like 'Consequently', 'On the positive side', and 'Additionally'. Paragraphing is used skillfully, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct theme (the benefits versus the drawbacks). Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining a seamless flow of ideas from one sentence to the next, which is fully characteristic of Band 8 performance.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical resource that is exceptionally well-suited to the topic. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'undeniable force', 'democratizes style', 'socioeconomic backgrounds', 'textile waste', and 'cultural homogenization'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, allowing the writer to convey subtle nuances regarding environmental and societal impacts. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication in any way. The vocabulary range allows for precise and sophisticated expression throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of structures, encompassing both complex and compound sentences used with a high degree of control. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as participial phrases ('generating immense textile waste, deplete natural water resources...') and conditional clauses ('so that fashion's creative benefits do not come at the cost of the planet'). Punctuation is accurate, and grammar is handled with consistent competence. Only very occasional minor slips occur, reflecting a level of grammatical control that fully aligns with the descriptors for Band 8.

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