Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-26

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 6.5)

Many small local shops have been closed in the recent years because the customers prefer shopping from the malls or large shopping centres. Shopping from one place which offers all kinds of products is convenient and time-saving. This essay will discuss different perspectives before explaining why I believe that large shopping centres and malls have a positive impact on the society.

One of the positive aspects of this development is the comfort and availability of different kinds of products under one roof. People do not have to visit small local shops located in different areas which both consumes time and energy. Although small shops offer cheap products due to local manufacturing, the quality of these items can be poor and compromised. Moreover, community centres and malls offer branded products which are globally appreciated and are quality items.

Another positive factor is that these community spaces also have fun activities for children like playlands while cafes and resturants for adults to spend quality time. However, malls and large shopping centres have negatively affected the business of local shops whose livelihood was dependent on it. Governments should take steps to introduce these local manufacturers and small scales businesses into malls and provide them affordable spots in community centres and malls. This approach will provide support and opportunity to earn better.

In conclusion, community centres and malls offer convenient shopping oppurtunities to people where they can shop as well as relax. A balanced approach that combines local manufactures with imported products under one roof is most effective way to offer a variety of products to buyers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that the development is positive. The ideas are relevant, discussing convenience, product variety, and leisure activities. However, the development is somewhat limited; for instance, the argument regarding the negative impact on local shops is mentioned but not fully explored or balanced against the main argument. The suggestion for government intervention is a good attempt at extending the topic, but it feels slightly disconnected from the main argument about why malls are positive. Overall, the response is well-focused, but could benefit from more depth in the supporting arguments to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, such as convenience or leisure activities. Cohesive devices like 'Moreover,' 'Although,' and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, the transition between the negative impact on local shops and the proposed government solution is slightly abrupt. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is generally clear throughout the text. To improve, ensure that the link between the negative aspects and the proposed solutions is more seamlessly integrated into the overall argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate and appropriate for the task. You use terms like 'globally appreciated,' 'livelihood,' and 'compromised' effectively. There are some minor spelling errors, such as 'resturants' and 'oppurtunities,' which do not impede communication but show a lack of precision. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly, but it lacks the sophistication or 'less common' items that would characterize a higher band score. Focusing on more precise collocations and avoiding basic spelling errors will help elevate your lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound, such as 'People do not have to visit small local shops located in different areas which both consumes time and energy.' However, there are occasional errors, such as 'Many small local shops have been closed in the recent years' (should be 'in recent years') and 'most effective way' (missing 'the'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more consistent control over articles and prepositions. The range of structures is sufficient, but more variety in complex sentence forms would be beneficial.

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