Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-05

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 8.0)

In some parts of the world, people purchase far more clothes than they actually need. This trend is mainly caused by the influence of advertising and fast fashion, but several measures can be taken to encourage people to buy fewer clothes.

One major reason for excessive clothing consumption is the rapid growth of fast-fashion companies. These businesses produce fashionable clothes at very low prices, encouraging customers to buy new items frequently. In addition, social media and advertising create pressure to follow the latest trends. Many people, especially young adults, want to look fashionable and may feel that wearing the same outfit repeatedly is undesirable. For example, social media influencers often promote new clothes, making frequent shopping appear normal and attractive.

There are several ways to reduce this problem. Firstly, governments could introduce environmental taxes on cheaply produced clothing. If clothes became slightly more expensive, consumers might think more carefully before purchasing them. Secondly, schools and media organisations could educate people about the environmental consequences of fast fashion, such as water pollution and textile waste. Finally, clothing companies could encourage sustainable consumption by offering repair services, producing higher-quality garments and promoting second-hand shopping.

In my view, changing consumer attitudes is particularly important. People should be encouraged to consider whether they genuinely need an item rather than buying it simply because it is cheap or fashionable. For instance, someone could adopt a rule of buying a new piece of clothing only when an old one is worn out.

In conclusion, excessive clothing consumption is largely driven by cheap fashion and social pressure. A combination of education, environmental policies and more responsible consumer habits could significantly reduce unnecessary purchases.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the reasons for excessive clothing consumption, such as the influence of fast fashion and social media, and provided practical solutions, including government intervention and consumer education. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as the mention of influencers and the suggestion of a 'one-in, one-out' rule. The response is balanced and covers all requirements of the task effectively, demonstrating a strong understanding of the topic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Finally', which help guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the causes from the solutions. The relationship between sentences is clear, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'excessive clothing consumption', 'environmental consequences', 'sustainable consumption', and 'garments' show a good level of precision. The language is natural and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band; however, it is more than adequate for a high-scoring response. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms (e.g., 'If clothes became slightly more expensive, consumers might think...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. The writing is fluent, and there are no significant grammatical errors that distract the reader. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex structures to convey your ideas clearly and accurately throughout the response.

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.