Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-16

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 7.5)

In recent years, the growth of large shopping centres has led to the closure of many small local shops, as consumers increasingly prefer to do their shopping in one place. Although shopping malls can offer greater convenience and a wider range of products, I believe that the decline of local shops is generally a negative development.

One major disadvantage is the impact that the closure of local businesses can have on the community. Small shops often provide employment for local residents and contribute to the local economy. When these businesses shut down, money that would previously have been spent within the community may instead go to large companies. In addition, local shops often provide a more personal service because shop owners can develop relationships with regular customers. For example, a small grocery store may know its customers' preferences and provide personalised recommendations, something that is less common in a large supermarket.

Another concern is that the disappearance of small shops can reduce convenience and consumer choice for people who do not have easy access to large shopping centres. Elderly people, those without private transport and people living in rural areas may depend on nearby stores for their everyday needs. Furthermore, large shopping centres can encourage consumers to buy from major brands, which may reduce the variety of locally produced goods available in an area. As a result, communities may gradually lose some of their unique character and independence.

On the other hand, large shopping centres do provide several benefits. They usually offer a wider selection of products, competitive prices and additional services such as restaurants and entertainment facilities. Customers can therefore save time by purchasing different types of goods in one location. However, these advantages do not completely outweigh the social and economic consequences of the decline of small local businesses.

In conclusion, although large shopping centres provide convenience, variety and competitive prices, I believe that the closure of small local shops is predominantly a negative development. It can weaken local economies, reduce consumer choice and make communities less independent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly establishing a position and exploring both sides of the issue before concluding that the trend is a negative development. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as how a small grocery store knows its customers' preferences. The arguments regarding community impact, local economies, and elderly populations are extended and supported effectively throughout the essay. The writer meets the criteria for Band 7.5 to 8.0 through comprehensive coverage, thoughtful exploration of consequences, and a clear, consistent stance from start to finish.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to community impacts, accessibility concerns, counter-arguments, and the final conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'Although shopping malls can offer', 'One major disadvantage is', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the flow of ideas without any noticeable mechanical errors or awkward transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the task, including appropriate terms like 'consumer choice', 'local economy', 'personalised recommendations', and 'social and economic consequences'. Less common items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'predominantly a negative development' and 'unique character and independence'. Word choices are precise, and there are virtually no spelling or lexical errors that impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately and flexibly. Examples include conditional or concessive clauses such as 'Although shopping malls can offer greater convenience...' and 'Elderly people, those without private transport and people living in rural areas may depend on nearby stores...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled competently throughout. Minor slips are virtually absent, demonstrating strong grammatical control that aligns with the Band 8 descriptor.

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