Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-17

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 to shop at large shopping centres and malls. Although shopping centres provide convenience and a wide range of products, I believe that the disappearance of small local shops is a negative development.

One major disadvantage is the impact on local communities. Small shops often provide employment for local residents and contribute to the local economy. When these businesses close, money that would have been spent within the community may instead go to large national or international companies. Furthermore, local shops often provide personalised service because shop owners know their regular customers and understand their needs. This type of relationship is generally less common in large shopping centres.

Another problem is that the closure of small shops can make local areas less attractive and less lively. Independent businesses can give a neighbourhood its own character, while large shopping centres tend to offer similar stores and products in many different cities. For example, a small town may have a family-owned bakery, clothing store or grocery shop that has served local residents for many years. If these businesses disappear, the community may lose part of its local identity.

Admittedly, large shopping centres have several advantages. They usually offer a greater variety of products, competitive prices and convenient services in one location. Customers can also compare different brands easily. However, these benefits do not completely outweigh the social and economic disadvantages caused by the loss of local businesses.

In conclusion, although large shopping centres are convenient and offer greater choice, I consider the closure of small local shops to be a negative development because it can weaken local economies, reduce personal service and diminish the character of communities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the convenience of large shopping centres and presenting a clear, well-supported position regarding the negative development of small shop closures. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance. Body paragraphs provide relevant, extended ideas regarding local communities, economic impact, and neighbourhood character, supported by appropriate examples such as a family-owned bakery or grocery shop. The conclusion successfully summarises the main points without introducing new information. Ideas are thoroughly developed throughout, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and the progression of the argument is clear throughout the essay. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic (community impact, visual/cultural identity, counter-arguments, and conclusion). Cohesive devices are managed well, using markers such as 'Although', 'One major disadvantage', 'Furthermore', 'Another problem', and 'Admittedly' naturally without being mechanical. Reference words are handled accurately, ensuring the reader follows the flow of ideas effortlessly.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for a general task. Words and phrases such as 'disappearance', 'personalised service', 'independent businesses', 'local identity', and 'diminish the character' reflect good control over common and less common lexical items. Collocations are generally natural, and spelling and word choice are accurate. Although it stops short of the most sophisticated or academic phrasing, the vocabulary is precise enough to convey ideas fluently and clearly, matching the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, such as concessive clauses ('Although shopping centres provide convenience...') and conditional or relative clauses ('...money that would have been spent...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. There are no noticeable errors that impede communication. The control exhibited across diverse sentence patterns aligns well with a high band score.

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