Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-11-13

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The growth of online shopping will one day lead to all shops in towns and cities closing.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 6.0)

It is often contended that the rising popularity of online shopping will force the closure of in-person stores around the world. I completely disagree with the statement since consumers often rely on daily stores for basic necessities which are harder to do online due to high shipment costs and delivery delays. Furthermore, some purchases require customization and therefore are done in presence of the customer.

Although shopping on internet is relatively convenient, it also comes with certain limitations. People tend to visit local shops for immediate needs, which is harder to be replaced by online marketplace. For instance, vegetables and bakery goods are available online, however consumers still buy them in-person. While being skeptical of food quality is a reason, waiting for delivery plays a major part too. Apart from this, local markets are trusted more than on-app images as people can directly inspect what they are buying.

Some retails are generally harder to be overtaken by online markets. Products that are tailored to customer's liking are more likely to be sold in person, when making such deals online, it is easier to get faulty items. Suits, which are customized to fit, are a perfect example as the client is need for a well-fitted one, sharing the measurements online could create misunderstandings. Doubling down, the return policy of online stores is relatively complicated all the while increasing the risk of getting scammed.

In conclusion, I believe online shopping will not result in closing of physical stores.

While online shopping allows easier purchases, it also adds risk of getting scammed and is not convenient for day to day products. Local shops provide secure transactions as consumers pay for the item they have tested personally.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

Your position is clear from the introduction to the conclusion: you disagree that online shopping will close all physical shops. You support this with relevant reasons, including the need for immediate purchases, the ability to inspect food, and the fitting of customized suits. These examples address the question and show a sound understanding of it. The response also begins to explain why these factors matter, particularly through delivery delays and the risk of incorrect measurements. However, the discussion of customization and return policies is less fully developed, and the claim that local shops provide “secure transactions” is asserted rather than explained. To strengthen the response further, extend each main reason with a clearer explanation of how it prevents physical shops from disappearing altogether.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting separate reasons, and a conclusion that restates your view. The progression from everyday purchases to customized products is logical, and linking phrases such as “Furthermore,” “For instance,” and “In conclusion” help guide the reader. However, some connections are mechanical or unclear. “Doubling down” does not clearly show how the return-policy point relates to the suit example, while “Apart from this” introduces an idea that could be linked more precisely to the preceding discussion. The conclusion also repeats points from the body rather than synthesising them. Use clearer topic sentences and more explicit links between each example and your central argument to make the progression smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “rising popularity,” “basic necessities,” “customization,” “delivery delays,” and “return policy.” These choices help communicate your main ideas, and the meaning is generally clear. There are also some inaccurate or unnatural word combinations, such as “shopping on internet,” “some retails,” “client is need,” and “in presence of the customer.” “Doubling down” is also an informal expression that does not fit the essay’s academic tone. These issues show that you are attempting varied vocabulary, but control of collocation and word form is not yet consistent. Aim for natural, precise phrases and check whether each expression suits formal argument writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including subordinate clauses such as “Although shopping on internet is relatively convenient” and “While being skeptical of food quality is a reason.” Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, and the argument remains understandable. Some grammatical errors persist, however. For example, “which is harder to be replaced” has an awkward passive construction, “the client is need for a well-fitted one” is not grammatically formed, and “sharing the measurements online could create misunderstandings” would benefit from a clearer subject relationship. There are also issues with articles and possessives in phrases such as “customer’s liking.” Review sentence patterns and article use, and proofread complex sentences to ensure their parts connect accurately.

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