Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-02

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some parts of the world, people buy far too many clothes.

What are the reasons for this?
How can people be persuaded to reduce the number of clothes they buy?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Undoubtedly, recently, there has been a change in people's behaviour towards fashion. It is argued that individuals purchase too many clothes in some parts of the world. Although there are several reasons for this trend, such as the desire to look fashionable and the influence of advertising, some steps can be taken to reduce the number of clothes people buy.

Firstly, people often purchase new clothes because they want to look confident and fashionable. Nowadays, fashion trends change very quickly, and many individuals want to follow the latest styles. While some people buy clothes because they genuinely need them, others purchase them simply to improve their appearance. Social media also has a strong influence on this behaviour because people regularly see celebrities and influencers wearing new outfits. This can make them believe that they also need different clothes to look attractive. For example, young people may buy new clothes before going to a party or meeting their friends because they want to make a good impression. Another important reason is that companies use advertising and discounts to encourage people to shop more. Not only do online stores advertise new products regularly, but they also provide special offers and limited-time discounts. As a result, people sometimes buy clothes that they do not actually need. This would mean that their wardrobes become full of clothes that they rarely wear.

However, there are some ways to reduce this problem. Firstly, governments and schools could educate people about the environmental effects of buying too many clothes. People should understand that producing clothes requires large amounts of water and energy and also creates waste. This could encourage consumers to think carefully before making a purchase. Secondly, people should be encouraged to buy better-quality clothes and make the most of the clothes they already own. For instance, instead of buying a new shirt every few weeks, people could repair old clothes, donate them or reuse them in different ways.

In conclusion, people buy excessive amounts of clothing mainly because they want to look fashionable and because advertising encourages unnecessary shopping. Although this problem is difficult to eliminate completely, environmental education and responsible shopping habits can help people reduce their clothing consumption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for excessive clothing consumption and potential solutions. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the influence of social media and the role of environmental education. The position is clear throughout, and the structure is logical. The response covers all requirements of the task effectively, providing a balanced discussion that explores both individual motivations and broader societal interventions. The development of ideas is consistent, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the reasons for the problem and the proposed solutions is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'For instance', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the writer's argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The writer uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'fashion trends', 'environmental effects', 'consumer', and 'excessive amounts'. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0 or 9.0 range. However, the word choice is precise enough to convey the intended meaning without any errors that impede communication. The use of collocations is generally sound, and the tone remains formal and academic throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. While there are no major grammatical errors, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, and the writing does not consistently display the 'wide range' of structures required for the highest band. Nevertheless, the control of grammar is strong, and the occasional minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of the message.

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