Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

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)

In recent years, many small local shops have closed because customers prefer to travel to large shopping centres and malls. Although shopping centres provide convenience and variety, I believe the closure of local shops is mainly a negative development.

On the one hand, large shopping centres have several advantages for customers. First, they offer a wide range of products in one location. People can buy clothes, groceries, electronic items and household products without visiting different shops. This saves time and makes shopping more convenient. Moreover, large stores often offer lower prices because they purchase goods in large quantities. Shopping malls may also provide restaurants, cinemas and other entertainment facilities, making them attractive places for families to spend their free time.

On the other hand, the closure of local shops can negatively affect communities. Small businesses often provide personal and friendly services because shop owners know their regular customers. They also create employment opportunities for local residents and contribute to the local economy. Another important issue is accessibility. Elderly people and those who do not own cars may depend on nearby shops for their daily necessities. If these shops disappear, they may have to travel long distances to reach a shopping centre. Furthermore, local shops often give neighbourhoods a unique character, which can be lost when they are replaced by large commercial centres.

In my opinion, the disadvantages of this trend outweigh its benefits. While shopping malls are convenient and offer competitive prices, small local shops play an important role in supporting communities and providing essential services.

In conclusion, although large shopping centres offer greater choice, convenience and entertainment, the closure of local shops is largely a negative development because it can harm local businesses, employment and community life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the task. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You have provided a balanced view by acknowledging the benefits of shopping centres before presenting a well-supported argument for why the closure of local shops is a negative development. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the accessibility issues for the elderly and those without cars. The conclusion effectively summarises your main points and reinforces your stance. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your examples by perhaps discussing a specific type of local shop or a real-world scenario where a community was impacted by such closures.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Your essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' effectively to link your arguments. The transition between the advantages of malls and the disadvantages for local communities is smooth. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the argument. The referencing is clear, and the flow of the essay is natural throughout. You have managed the structure well, ensuring that the reader can follow your line of reasoning without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'competitive prices', 'employment opportunities', and 'essential services' are used accurately. You show an awareness of collocation and style, which makes your writing sound natural. While the vocabulary is appropriate and effective, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'economic vitality', 'diminishing accessibility', or 'homogenisation of the high street', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your control of grammar is generally strong. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. You successfully use complex structures, such as 'While shopping malls are convenient and offer competitive prices, small local shops play an important role...', which adds variety to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve further, ensure that you continue to vary your sentence length and structure to maintain the reader's interest and demonstrate a high level of grammatical flexibility.

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