Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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 7.5)

Undoubtedly, the growth of online shopping has significantly changed the way people purchase goods and services. It is often argued that the increasing popularity of online shopping will eventually result in all shops in towns and cities closing down. I disagree with this view because, although online retailers may cause some traditional stores to close, physical shops will continue to play an important role.

To commence with, online shopping has become increasingly popular because of its convenience. Customers can purchase products from home without travelling to a shopping centre, and their orders can be delivered directly to their doorstep. Moreover, online platforms usually offer a wider range of products and allow customers to compare prices easily. For example, someone looking for an electronic product can compare several brands and prices within minutes instead of visiting different stores. As a result, online shopping saves time and effort, particularly for people with busy lifestyles.

However, I do not believe that physical shops will disappear completely. One major reason is that certain products are better purchased in person. Customers often want to see, touch or try products before buying them, particularly clothes, shoes and furniture. In addition, shopping centres and local stores provide a social experience that online shopping cannot fully replicate. People can spend time with friends and family, eat at restaurants and enjoy entertainment while shopping. Therefore, physical shops can offer experiences and personal interaction that websites cannot easily provide.

Furthermore, many retailers are adapting to online shopping by operating both physical stores and online platforms. Customers can research products online and then visit a store before making their final decision. This combination of convenience and personal service can help traditional retailers remain competitive.

In conclusion, although online shopping is likely to reduce the number of traditional shops, I do not believe that all physical stores will close. Their ability to provide personal service and a unique shopping experience means they will continue to have a place in towns and cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant supporting arguments, such as the social aspect of shopping and the 'omnichannel' retail strategy. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points. The response is balanced, acknowledging the convenience of online shopping while providing a strong counter-argument for the continued relevance of physical stores. This demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To commence with', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader through your argument without feeling mechanical. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'omnichannel' (implied by your description of retailers operating both platforms), 'remain competitive', and 'personal interaction' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is generally precise, it is functional rather than highly sophisticated. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced collocations or less common lexical items related to economic trends or consumer behavior. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional-style structure in 'although online retailers may cause some traditional stores to close, physical shops will continue to play an important role.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of control. To reach the highest band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as inversion or more advanced relative clauses.

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