Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

In some parts of the world, people purchase far more clothes than they actually need. This trend has become increasingly common because of fast fashion, social media, and attractive discounts. In my opinion, people can be encouraged to buy fewer clothes through greater awareness of environmental problems, better consumer education, and financial incentives.

There are several reasons why people buy excessive amounts of clothing. First, fast-fashion companies frequently introduce new styles and collections, encouraging customers to purchase clothes that are fashionable for only a short period. Social media also plays an important role because people constantly see celebrities and influencers wearing new outfits. As a result, some consumers feel pressure to change their wardrobe regularly. Another reason is that clothing is often sold at very low prices. For example, when people see a large discount in a shop or online, they may buy several items simply because they appear to be good bargains, even if they already have similar clothes at home.

There are several ways to persuade people to reduce their clothing consumption. First, governments and schools could educate the public about the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Producing clothes requires water, energy, and raw materials, while unwanted clothing often ends up in landfills. If people understood these consequences, they might think more carefully before purchasing new items. Second, consumers could be encouraged to buy higher-quality clothes that last longer rather than purchasing cheap items frequently. For example, in my experience, I tend to buy fewer clothes when I choose durable products because I can use them for several years.

Finally, governments could introduce incentives for sustainable shopping, such as discounts for repairing or recycling clothes. Clothing companies could also provide repair services or second-hand options. These measures would make it easier for consumers to make environmentally responsible choices.

In conclusion, people buy too many clothes mainly because of fast fashion, social media influence, and low prices. **I believe this problem can be reduced by educating consumers, encouraging them to purchase durable clothing, and making recycling and repairing more attractive and convenient.**

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The student clearly identifies the reasons for excessive clothing purchases—citing fast fashion, social media influence, and low prices—and provides practical solutions, including consumer education, purchasing durable items, and government incentives for recycling. The position is stated clearly in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and personal experience, such as choosing durable products to reduce consumption. The response satisfies all requirements of Task Achievement at a high level, corresponding well to the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the reasons for buying clothes in the second paragraph and solutions in the third and fourth paragraphs. Cohesive devices are managed well without being intrusive (e.g., 'First', 'Social media also plays', 'Another reason is', 'Finally'). Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The logical flow is smooth and guides the reader effortlessly through the arguments, fitting the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic. Appropriate phrases such as 'fast-fashion companies', 'environmental impact', 'landfills', and 'environmentally responsible choices' are used naturally. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary with good control, and word choices are generally precise (e.g., 'excessive amounts', 'durable products'). Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, supporting smooth communication. The lexical control aligns comfortably with a Band 7.0 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writer uses a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If people understood these consequences, they might think more carefully') and subordinate clauses ('while unwanted clothing often ends up in landfills'). The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of grammar and punctuation. There are only very occasional minor slips, but control over complex forms is consistently maintained. This performance clearly meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

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