Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-05
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 6.0)
It is irrefutable to say that many small local shops have closed in recent years because people are visiting large shopping centres for buying big or small purchases. Although customers are benefiting by finding everything under one roof rather visting different shops for different purposes, it is taking small onwers jobs away. Therefore, it is not wholely a positive development.
On the positive side, it is more convenient for people to find everything under same roof in the big malls. Unlike small local shops which have limited item stocks, large shopping centres have various brands at one place. As a result, it people find it more easy to shop while purchasing various items at one place. Additionally, individuals do not have to visit one place to another while shopping and this as a result, saves their time and travel expense both.
On the other side, small local owners are definitely on the loss due to openings of big shopping centres. Since, people are not visiting their local area for any purchase small local bussiness are not able to operate due to less or no sales. Hence, they have no other option than shutting down their shops.
To conclude, chnages of people shopping preferences have definitely affected locall businesses. The trend of travelling to giant shopping malls have forced the local shop owners to close their shops due to limited or no sales at all. Thus, it can be a postive development for the consumers but absolutely a negative development for local operators.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of the development, fulfilling the core requirements of a balanced view. Your position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. However, while the main ideas are relevant, some are slightly under-developed or repetitive, such as the discussion on convenience and time-saving which overlap in the second paragraph. To reach a higher level, you would need to extend and fully develop your arguments with more detailed supporting examples, such as exploring specific economic impacts on local communities rather than relying on general statements.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the positive and negative points. Cohesive devices such as 'On the positive side', 'On the other side', and 'To conclude' are employed to guide the reader through your arguments. However, cohesion is sometimes a bit mechanical, and referencing or linking between sentences could be smoother. For instance, transitional phrases like 'As a result, it people find it more easy' show slightly awkward connections. Improving the variety and seamless integration of cohesive devices would elevate this aspect further.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
Your lexical range is adequate for the task, allowing you to communicate your main points effectively. You make some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'irrefutable', 'convenient', and 'preference', which shows an effort to expand your word choices. However, there are noticeable errors in word choice, spelling, and phrasing throughout the text, such as 'visting' instead of visiting, 'wholely' instead of wholly, 'item stocks', and 'small local owners are definitely on the loss'. Additionally, phrase variations like 'more easy' instead of easier demonstrate limitations in precision. These errors do not completely impede communication, but they restrict your score to this level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over sentence structure. You attempt complex sentences with clauses introduced by 'Although' and 'Since', which shows ambition. However, there are several grammar errors and awkward phrasings present, such as 'It is irrefutable to say that... because people are visiting', 'it is taking small onwers jobs away', and 'changes of people shopping preferences'. Articles and prepositions also show occasional inaccuracy, such as 'under same roof' instead of under the same roof. These errors do not prevent your overall message from being understood, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher rating.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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