Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-22
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 5.5)
In this fast growing technological world online shopping becomes a new trend but In my opinion, traditional shopping methods are still reliable and convenient. I strongly disagree with this statement because online shopping is not an ideal way of shopping as compared to the traditional method.
First and foremost reason behind this opinion is that when people do online shopping they are not be able to see the products quality, size and color in real whereas if they go to shops they can do right selection without any hesitation. Moreover, online shopping require your time and attention as you need to wait for delivery then if by any chance you got wrong size or color then you need to follow the return procedure which could waste your time and can lead you toward disappointment.
Secondly, when you go to shops you could find numerous options available and can select a suitable option according to your size and color choice. In addition, you do not need to return or wait for your order.
In Conclusion, I believe online shopping cannot replace a traditional way of shopping because doing shopping from local market with your family members is enjoyable and memorable experience.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, which significantly impacts the development of ideas. While you clearly state your position, the arguments are underdeveloped and lack the depth required for a higher band. For instance, the points regarding product quality and the return process are mentioned but not fully explored with specific examples or a broader discussion on the economic or social implications of online shopping. To improve, you must expand your supporting arguments and provide more detailed explanations to reach the required length and demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, and there is a basic logical progression. You use some cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Moreover', and 'Secondly'. However, the transitions between sentences can feel a bit mechanical, and the overall structure is quite brief. The conclusion is also very short and does not effectively summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence followed by well-developed supporting details to create a more cohesive flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision expected at higher levels. You rely on common phrases like 'fast growing technological world' and 'new trend'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'do right selection' instead of 'make the right selection'. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary and collocations related to the topic of commerce and technology. Expanding your range of synonyms and using more precise terminology will help convey your ideas more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally affect the clarity of your writing. For example, 'online shopping require your time' should be 'requires', and 'they are not be able to see' should be 'they are not able to see'. Additionally, there are issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement throughout the text. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors prevent the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and subject-verb agreement will lead to immediate improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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