Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The rapid growth of online shopping has transformed the way people purchase goods and services. Some people believe that this trend will eventually result in the closure of all shops in towns and cities. Although online retail is likely to continue expanding, I strongly disagree that physical stores will disappear completely.

There is no doubt that online shopping offers significant advantages. Consumers can compare prices, read reviews and purchase products from the comfort of their homes. It is also particularly convenient for people with busy schedules or limited mobility. Furthermore, online retailers can often offer a wider range of products at lower prices because they do not have the same overhead costs as traditional shops. For example, many consumers now order clothing, electronics and household items online because delivery is fast and relatively inexpensive.

However, physical shops provide experiences that websites cannot fully replicate. Customers often want to see, touch or try a product before purchasing it, particularly when buying clothes, furniture or expensive items. In addition, shopping centers and high streets are important social spaces where people can meet friends, eat at restaurants and enjoy entertainment. Many retailers are also adapting rather than disappearing, by combining physical stores with online services such as click-and-collect and home delivery.

In my view, the future is likely to involve greater integration between online and offline shopping rather than the complete replacement of one by the other. While some traditional shops may close because of changing consumer habits, those that offer high-quality service, unique products or enjoyable experiences are likely to remain successful.

In conclusion, online shopping will undoubtedly reduce the number of physical stores, but it is unlikely to eliminate them entirely. Both forms of retail will continue to coexist and complement each other.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide a balanced argument, acknowledging the benefits of online shopping while effectively countering the idea that physical stores will disappear by highlighting the social and experiential value of brick-and-mortar shops. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'click-and-collect' services and the sensory experience of shopping. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the advantages of online shopping, moving to the unique benefits of physical stores, and concluding with a synthesis of the two. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', 'In addition', and 'In my view', which help the reader follow your argument smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow is natural and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'transformed the way', 'overhead costs', 'fully replicate', and 'greater integration' show a level of sophistication. The vocabulary is used accurately and naturally, contributing to the clarity of your argument. While the range is sufficient and precise, it could be pushed further into more academic or nuanced territory to reach the highest band, but for this task, the lexical control is very strong and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your control over grammar is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if...'), concessive clauses ('Although...'), and relative clauses, all with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of your sentences. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The range of structures is wide, and you demonstrate a high level of flexibility in your writing, which is characteristic of a high-scoring response.

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