Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot about a person’s culture and character from their choice of clothes.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 7.5)

It is argued that an individual's style of dressing gives an insight into their cultural background and character, as people often form first impressions based on appearance. In my view, people's choice of clothing might reflect their religious observance and cultural traditions, but should not be taken as a symbol of their character because it is not a reliable indicator.

The primary reason is that an individual's dressing sense reflects their specific religious beliefs and traditions, which have been passed down by progenitors and act as a fabric for the religious community. For instance, the Hijab practice in the Muslim community reflects their religious values. Furthermore, people wear traditional attire to demonstrate their native land of origin, which helps them to stay connected to their roots. By choosing to wear culturally significant attire, individuals actively showcase their cultural background and a character rooted in pride and resilience. Consequently, such traditional costumes become a hallmark for their cultural backgrounds.

Conversely, a personal style can sometimes be a deliberate expression of personality traits; however, a person's character cannot be accurately determined by it. There are some who still might mistakenly associate clothing with character based on conventional professional codes, which have shaped these perceptions. It is possible that people who dress formally and wear expensive clothing, which is appropriate as per the societal norms may possess immoral character which is detrimental to the society, but those who wear casual and cheaper clothes might possess stronger moral character. Similarly, some think people wearing modern dresses are sophisticated whereas those wearing traditional clothing are old-fashioned; however, there is no way to prove it.

In conclusion, although an individual's choice of clothes has a direct relationship with their religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds, I disagree with the notion that it can predict their moral character.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position from the introduction through to the conclusion. Your arguments regarding the link between clothing and culture are well-supported with relevant examples, such as the Hijab. The counter-argument regarding character is also logically developed. You successfully balance the two aspects of the question—culture and character—without neglecting either. The ideas are extended and supported throughout, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements. To reach a higher band, ensure that your examples are always directly linked back to the core question to avoid any potential for over-generalisation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'consequently', 'furthermore', and 'conversely' effectively to link your thoughts. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. Referencing is generally clear, and the transition between the cultural aspect and the character aspect is smooth. The structure is coherent throughout, and the logical progression of your argument is easy to follow for the reader.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'religious observance', 'progenitors', 'hallmark', and 'detrimental to the society' show an awareness of style and collocation. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. While the vocabulary is effective and appropriate for the task, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. Overall, your lexical control is strong and supports the clarity of your arguments well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a variety of complex sentence structures effectively, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although an individual's choice... I disagree'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is good. There are very few grammatical slips, and those that do occur do not interfere with the meaning. Your ability to construct complex ideas using accurate grammar is a strength. Continued focus on minor articles or preposition usage will help you maintain this high level of accuracy.

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