Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29

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 7.0)

In today's modern society, the trend of purchasing clothes has increased significantly, and people spend a substantial amount of money on clothing. This is mainly due to personal preferences and the influence of social media. However, people can be persuaded to reduce this habit through greater awareness and by encouraging them to purchase only what they need.

To begin with, social media platforms have become a hub for various clothing brands, such as Zara and Levi's. These companies collaborate with social media platforms and use advertisements to increase their publicity and create demand among consumers. As a result, such marketing strategies foster curiosity and interest among the public, encouraging them to purchase clothes. Moreover, clothing companies often collaborate with celebrities and models to promote their brands. Since these public figures have a large number of followers on social media, their endorsements can strongly influence consumers' purchasing decisions. For instance, many people are influenced by celebrities' attire and fashion choices, which encourages them to purchase the same brands and spend money on fashionable clothing.

However, this trend can also contribute to the overconsumption of goods and natural resources. To meet public demand, manufacturers introduce a wide range of fashionable clothes with different designs and accessories, such as golden buttons and silver collars. Consequently, consumers may purchase new clothes frequently even when their existing clothing is still usable. In addition, people often choose brand-name products over those sold by local merchants because they associate well-known brands with higher quality or social status. To persuade people to reduce this unnecessary consumption, public awareness campaigns could educate consumers about the financial and environmental consequences of excessive clothing purchases. For example, people could be encouraged to buy clothes only when necessary and to consider affordable products from local sellers rather than purchasing expensive branded items. This could help consumers reduce unnecessary spending while conserving natural resources.

In conclusion, the increasing consumption of clothing is largely caused by personal preferences and the influence of social media and celebrities. However, people can be persuaded to purchase fewer clothes through awareness campaigns that highlight the financial and environmental consequences of excessive consumption and encourage them to buy only what they need.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task thoroughly, presenting clear reasons for excessive clothing purchases (such as social media marketing, celebrity endorsements, and brand perception) and practical solutions (like public awareness campaigns and supporting local merchants). The writer maintains a clear position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning specific brands like Zara and Levi's, as well as the influence of fashion choices. The response meets all the requirements of a Band 7 level, successfully extending and supporting the main ideas with appropriate detail.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Information and ideas are coherently linked across paragraphs. The writer uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately, such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', 'Consequently', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, with each body paragraph dedicated to a distinct aspect of the prompt—the first focusing on reasons for overconsumption, and the second exploring both consequences and solutions. The referencing is clear throughout, making the text easy to follow and navigate.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, such as 'overconsumption', 'publicity', 'endorsements', and 'financial and environmental consequences'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, for instance, 'purchasing decisions' and 'consumer demand'. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and communicative, there are occasional slightly standard collocations, but spelling and word choices remain accurate enough to easily convey meaning without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'Since these public figures have a large number of followers on social media...'). There are many error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is strong. Minor errors are very rare, and complex structures are generally well-managed without causing confusion for the reader. The punctuation is accurate, and verb tenses are handled consistently throughout the response.

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