Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-31

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers travel to large shopping centres or malls to do their shopping.

Is this a positive or a negative development?

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

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

In recent years, many small local shops have been forced to close because an increasing number of customers prefer shopping at large shopping centres and malls. Although this trend offers consumers greater convenience, I believe it is a negative development because it harms local businesses and weakens community life.

One major disadvantage is that the closure of small shops has a negative impact on local businesses and employment. Small retailers often rely on regular customers to survive, but they struggle to compete with the lower prices and wider variety of products offered by large shopping centres. For example, many family-owned grocery stores and clothing shops have closed after supermarkets and shopping malls became more popular. As a result, local business owners lose their income, and many employees become unemployed. Furthermore, the local economy may suffer because money is increasingly spent in large retail chains rather than within the community.

Another significant disadvantage is that this trend reduces the sense of community and makes neighbourhoods less vibrant. Small local shops usually provide friendly customer service and help build strong relationships between residents and business owners. For instance, shopkeepers often know their regular customers personally and are able to offer personalised service that large shopping centres cannot provide. Consequently, the closure of these businesses can make communities feel less connected. In my opinion, while shopping malls offer convenience and a wider selection of goods, these benefits do not outweigh the long-term social and economic disadvantages of losing local shops.

In conclusion, I believe the increasing closure of small local shops is a negative development because it damages local businesses, reduces employment opportunities, and weakens community relationships. Governments and consumers should support local retailers to help maintain strong local economies and vibrant neighbourhoods.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments regarding economic impact and community cohesion. You provide specific examples, such as family-owned grocery stores, to support your claims. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarizes your main points while offering a constructive suggestion. The response is well-balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'For example', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and appropriate for the structure of an IELTS essay. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall flow is natural and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'vibrant neighbourhoods', 'personalised service', and 'long-term social and economic disadvantages' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choice is generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more idiomatic expressions or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey your ideas clearly and precisely without any noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses and subordinate clauses, with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, fitting well within the criteria for a high band score.

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