Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-15

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 6.5)

It is widely acknowledged that in some parts of the world, people excessively shop for clothing items. The mindset of individuals and the poor quality of fabric are significant contributing factors for the rise in this trend. Life style bloggers could play a key role in making the masses aware of the benefits brought by sustainability.

There has been a change in attitude of individuals. People associate wardrobe with social status and anyone who is seen repeating an outfit is considered to be inferior. To cater to the increasing demand of clothes, the clothing companies are mass producing new items. As a result, they work on quantity rather than quality. Therefore, even those who want to get more wear from their existing wardrobe are unable to. An example to consider is the fashion brand H&M. Initially the brand was well reputed for its quality but with the passage of time the brand's focus shifted to showcasing how it could release a new collection every now and then, in the process although the quality of their products declined. Despite that people kept buying from there as they were not concerned with the quality.

Lifestyle bloggers can use their influence and help in promoting sustainability. For instance, they could actively make social media posts explaining viewers how different combinations could be made by styling the very same items that are already present in their wardrobe. Governments could employ strategies that offer financial incentives towards recycling clothes. For instance, they could make it mandatory for every clothing store to have a tailor, particularly expert in repairing clothes. The service charges should be affordable. As a result, people will place a greater preference for repairing and restyling clothes instead of investing in new.

In conclusion, people purchase far too many clothes for reasons like displaying wealth by never being seen in a repeated outfit and due to the fast fashion trend. Lifestyle influencers and Governments could offer better alternatives strategies to help decrease this habit in the individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by identifying reasons for excessive clothing purchases, such as social status and fast fashion quality, and suggesting solutions involving lifestyle bloggers and government strategies. The position is clear throughout, and ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of H&M and the proposal for mandatory in-store tailors. Although some points could be slightly more deeply developed to reach the highest bands, the task is fully covered, demonstrating a clear understanding of the prompt. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to causes, solutions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'As a result', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion', though some transitions are occasionally mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate the distinct themes of the prompt. Referencing is generally clear, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that meets the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'excessively shop', 'sustainability', 'social status', and 'financial incentives', demonstrating an awareness of style and collocation. While there are a few minor lexical awkwardnesses or slightly unnatural phrasings, such as 'Life style bloggers' and 'place a greater preference for', these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings, placing this response solidly in the Band 6.5 to 7 range, rounded to 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating varied clauses effectively (e.g., 'anyone who is seen repeating an outfit is considered to be inferior'). There is good control of grammar overall, and punctuation is generally accurate. While a few minor errors occur, such as the missing article in 'change in attitude' and the slight slip in 'in the process although the quality of their products declined', these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, satisfying the criteria for a Band 7.

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