Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-22

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 8.0)

Increasing popularity of large shopping centres has led to the closure of many small local shops. Although it provides a better shopping experience to the individual customers, I believe it is largely a negative development because it harms local businesses, weakens community relationships and increases environmental pollution.

Many individuals prefer to shop at large shopping centres because they provide them with a large range of products and multiple shopping options under one roof. Since they can buy both personal and household goods at the same mall, without travelling to different shops in search of their goods, it improves their overall shopping experience. For instance, Square One shopping centre provides customers a one-stop place to buy all the items ranging from groceries to makeup as it has all kinds of shops within the complex.

Conversely, this trend has negatively influenced small local shops which have limited varieties and resources. When many people choose to shop at large malls, small businesses are eventually forced to close, resulting in unemployment which creates a formidable effect on local economies. In addition, small shops are part of a neighbourhood's character as many sellers know customers personally and provide a personalized service. When these businesses are overtaken by large corporations, it weakens social interactions. Furthermore, since the giant malls heavily depend upon international trade, this practice is associated with higher plastic wastage, carbon footprints and transport emissions, which significantly escalate environmental pollution.

In conclusion, while shopping at large malls offer convenience and riveting experiences to individual customers, they negatively impact local economies, reduce social cohesion and escalate environmental pollution. Therefore, in my opinion this phenomenon is largely undesirable in the long run.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding local economies, social cohesion, and environmental impact are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. The example of 'Square One' provides a concrete illustration of the convenience malls offer. The ideas are extended sufficiently to meet the requirements of a Band 8, as the response is focused, relevant, and provides a balanced view before concluding firmly. There are no omissions, and the development of each point is consistent with the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the benefits of malls and the drawbacks for local shops is handled smoothly using the cohesive device 'Conversely'. Other linking words such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a Band 8.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'formidable effect', 'social cohesion', 'riveting experiences', and 'international trade'. The word choice is generally precise and appropriate for the academic tone of the task. While the vocabulary is effective, it occasionally leans towards standard collocations rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. However, the control is consistent, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication. The use of topic-specific vocabulary related to economics and the environment is accurate and well-integrated into the arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and 'Since' clauses to provide reasoning. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is strong. There are very few minor slips, such as the subject-verb agreement in 'while shopping at large malls offer' (should be 'offers'). However, these are rare and do not detract from the overall clarity or the complexity of the writing. The grammatical control is solid, justifying a high band score.

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