Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-10-05

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 5.5)

It is widely argued that nowadays people are influencing by fashion trends which is practice globally. It is having a greater impact on people choices and even on their lives. I believe that this development is a double edge sword and having both pros and cons.

On the one hand, designer outfits are becoming very popular these days and attract a good number of customers. The modern exquisite designs are always eye-catching and buyers always loved to pick the unique designs and make themselves up-to-date with the new ongoing fashion trend. For instance, trend of a long shirt with straight cut bottoms is catching attention for formal gatherings, individuals follow the trend and it make them more comfortable and confident among other people. They can interact easily by donning the unique formal dress and it will also upgrade their status.

While on the other hand, fashion trends attracts good range of customers but also effecting the people' decision making power. They feel themselves in a marathon in which if they do not follow the ongoing trend, they would be considered as lower class in society. In reality, it is widely impacting the lives of the under privileged people because their children continue to ask them to fulfill their unnecessary demands to meet the social standards of community. Therefore, right decision is important in choosing between necessary or unnecessary item.

In conclusion, it is clear that following any fashion trend cannot be a negative development and it has a greater impact on people's lives also but choosing it over indispensable things should be avoided.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt, discussing why global fashion has become influential and offering an opinion on whether this is positive or negative. However, the ideas remain somewhat limited and under-developed. For instance, the explanation of how long shirts and straight cut bottoms create confidence is superficial, and the discussion regarding under-privileged families feeling pressured by social standards lacks robust supporting examples. While a position is stated in the introduction, the reasoning within the body paragraphs does not fully explore the complexities of the issue. To move closer to higher bands, the writer needs to extend and support arguments with deeper analysis and more specific real-world illustrations rather than relying on generalized statements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the response into an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, such as the positive aspects of fashion in the second paragraph and the negative consequences in the third. However, referencing and cohesion are at times mechanical or faulty. For example, transition phrases like 'While on the other hand' are slightly awkward, and internal referencing can be unclear, such as when 'it' or 'they' lack precise antecedents. To achieve a higher band, the writer must ensure that cohesive devices are used more flexibly and naturally to guide the reader seamlessly through a clear logical progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, demonstrating an attempt to use less common items such as 'exquisite', 'indispensable', and 'under-privileged'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and word form throughout the text. Examples include 'people are influencing by fashion trends' (influenced), 'double edge sword' (double-edged sword), 'people choices' (people's choices), and 'effecting the people' decision making power' (affecting). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they restrict the lexical score. To progress to a higher band, the writer should focus on precise word formation, natural collocations, and checking spelling and phrasing accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writing relies on a limited range of structures, attempting some complex sentences that frequently contain errors. There are frequent issues with verb forms, voice, prepositions, and singular/plural agreement, such as 'trend of a long shirt' (the trend), 'buyers always loved' (always love), and 'it make them' (makes them). Punctuation and article usage also show persistent lapses. These frequent errors can cause occasional difficulty for the reader and reflect a restricted control over grammatical patterns. To reach a higher standard, the writer must expand their repertoire of complex sentence forms while maintaining tighter control over basic grammar, tense consistency, and subject-verb agreement.

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