Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-12

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)

In many affluent societies, purchasing clothes has become an excessive habit, with some consumers buying far more garments than they genuinely require. This phenomenon can largely be attributed to aggressive marketing and rapidly changing fashion trends, while greater awareness and practical measures could encourage more responsible consumption.

One major reason for this excessive spending is the influence of the fashion industry. Clothing companies frequently introduce new collections and use social media campaigns to persuade consumers that they need to update their wardrobes regularly. Moreover, the rise of inexpensive fast-fashion retailers has made it possible to purchase fashionable garments at relatively low prices. Consequently, shoppers may buy items impulsively and discard them after wearing them only a few times. Another contributing factor is social pressure. Many individuals, particularly young adults, want to follow current trends or appear fashionable among their peers; therefore, they may purchase clothes unnecessarily.

Several measures could be taken to address this issue. Firstly, consumers should be educated about the environmental and financial consequences of excessive clothing consumption. Schools, social-media platforms and public campaigns could promote concepts such as sustainable fashion, reusing garments and purchasing better-quality items less frequently. Furthermore, governments could introduce incentives for environmentally responsible brands while imposing stricter regulations on companies that encourage wasteful consumption. Additionally, consumers can adopt simple habits, such as creating a shopping budget and considering whether a garment is genuinely necessary before purchasing it.

In conclusion, excessive clothing purchases are mainly driven by persuasive advertising, affordable fast fashion and social expectations. Nevertheless, through consumer education, stronger regulation and more thoughtful shopping habits, this trend can be significantly reduced.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt, successfully examining both the reasons behind excessive clothing purchases and actionable ways people can be persuaded to reduce consumption. The introduction clearly sets up the essay's focus. The body paragraphs are well-structured, exploring specific causes such as the influence of the fashion industry, fast fashion, and social pressure, followed by practical solutions including consumer education, government regulations, and personal budgeting. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples. Throughout the essay, a clear position is maintained from the introductory statement to the conclusion. Therefore, this response meets the requirements for a high band descriptor under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with the introductory overview, moving logically through causes and then solutions, and finishing with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally to connect ideas, as seen with transition words like 'Moreover', 'Consequently', 'Firstly', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating distinct arguments and themes cleanly. Referencing throughout the essay is clear and precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of arguments from beginning to end without confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student exhibits a wide and flexible lexical range that is well-suited to the topic of consumerism and fashion. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'affluent societies', 'excessive consumption', 'fast-fashion retailers', and 'sustainable fashion'. Word choice is generally accurate and natural throughout the response. Although there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary is slightly standard rather than exceptionally sophisticated, making this a solid performance that fits comfortably within the upper-intermediate to advanced band descriptors without reaching the highest tier of rare idiomatic mastery.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses, conditional and modal forms, and varied sentence openings. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical control. Punctuation is used accurately to separate clauses and structure lists. Occasional minor slips occur, but these are rare and non-systematic, and they never impede communication or obscure the writer's intended meaning. The control over complex syntax is strong and consistent throughout the entirety of the text.

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