Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Online shopping is beginning to rival traditional shopping as the best way to shop in our day-to-day lives. I believe that this trend will continue, and digital shopping will soon be just as important as conventional buying.

On one hand, I believe that old methods of shopping will continue to be a vital source of buying goods, even in the internet age. Firstly, shops are the most traditional means of purchasing products, and not everyone wants or is able to use the online mode instead. For instance, elderly people or those in rural areas might not have the ability or opportunity to go online, while many of us simply prefer going outside to shop to get a riveting experience even if we do have internet access. Secondly, shops can be trusted as reliable sources of products because they employ professionals who assist in product selection. Finally, many people like the experience of in-person purchase of goods after checking their quality rather than looking at them on a computer screen.

However, digital shopping is likely to become as popular as shops for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is that it allows much faster access to items in real-time and wherever we are, and on any devices. Another key benefit of electronic shopping compared to in-person is the ability to share product information with other people for discussion, return products if possible and even the option of giving reviews based on our experiences. For example, online purchasing via Amazon gives the option to review products which assist other buyers in shopping.

In conclusion, I disagree with the view that online shopping will eventually lead to the closure of all shops because I believe that the traditional shops provide satisfying shopping experiences and professional expertise to customers which cannot be overlooked.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position of disagreement. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. The arguments for why physical shops will remain—such as the need for tactile experience and professional assistance—are well-supported. Similarly, the counter-arguments regarding the convenience of online shopping are clearly articulated. The response maintains a consistent position throughout, and the conclusion effectively summarizes the main points. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, real-world examples beyond a brief mention of Amazon to further deepen the analysis of the societal impact of this shift.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. The referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow between the arguments for and against the prompt is smooth, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure. The response is coherent throughout, and the use of transition signals is neither mechanical nor repetitive.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'traditional shopping', 'digital shopping', 'product selection', and 'real-time'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'riveting experience' and 'professional expertise', which adds precision. While the range is adequate, it lacks the sophisticated, idiomatic control required for higher bands. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication, and the language is used with a good degree of accuracy throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, the use of conditional and relative clauses ('...even if we do have internet access', '...which assist other buyers...') shows a solid grasp of complex grammar. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is generally accurate. While there are occasional minor slips, such as 'in-person purchase of goods' (which could be more naturally phrased as 'in-person purchasing'), these do not impede meaning. The control over grammar is consistent, and the variety of structures used is sufficient to support the clear communication of ideas.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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