Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-30

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 an increasing number of customers prefer shopping in large centres and malls. In my view, this is a negative development because it can harm local communities and reduce consumer choice, despite the convenience that shopping centres provide.

One major disadvantage is the negative effect on local businesses and employment. Small shops often depend on regular customers to survive, and when people move to large shopping centres, these businesses may lose a significant part of their income. As a result, shop owners may be forced to close their businesses, while local employees can also lose their jobs. Furthermore, independent shops often contribute to the character of a neighbourhood. Their disappearance can make communities less personal and less socially connected.

Another concern is that large shopping centres can reduce consumer choice in the long term. Although they offer many products under one roof, they are usually dominated by large national or international companies. If small competitors disappear, these companies may face less competition, which could eventually lead to higher prices or less variety. For example, in many cities, traditional family-owned clothing and grocery stores have been replaced by large retail chains.

However, shopping centres do have some advantages. They are convenient because customers can buy different products, eat at restaurants and enjoy entertainment in one location. They also provide employment and can attract visitors to an area.

Overall, I believe the closure of small local shops is predominantly a negative development. While shopping centres are convenient, maintaining independent businesses is important for employment, competition and vibrant local communities.

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 provide relevant reasons for your stance, such as the impact on local employment and the potential for reduced consumer choice, while also acknowledging the counter-argument regarding convenience. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations, such as the link between the disappearance of small shops and the dominance of large retail chains. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the negative impacts and the counter-argument is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'Although', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use appropriate collocations such as 'independent businesses', 'vibrant local communities', and 'consumer choice'. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it is generally standard rather than highly sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced or less common lexical items to express your ideas with greater flair. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If small competitors disappear...') and concessive clauses ('Although they offer many products...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that cause confusion or difficulty for the reader. The grammatical structures used are flexible and contribute to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.

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