Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-25

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)

In this modern era, the trend of online shopping is burgeoning at an alarming level. This has caused certain people to think that all the physical stores in towns and cities will close permanently. However, I disagree with this statement since online shopping trend cannot fully replace the social and cultural values associated with physical stores.

On the one hand, shopping online has numerous benefits like customers can compare prices and have access to all type of objects at fingertips without visiting the shopping centers in person. Therefore, the global access provided by online shopping experience is unmatched by the physical stores. Apart from this, the fast delivery options provided by the online shopping platforms also lure the customers to give preference to shop online instead of visiting the stores in person. Consequently, it saves a lot of time of the people who are swamped in their schedule and do not have time to visit the store personally. For instance, platforms like Amazon provide access to huge variety of products from all across the world, where people can check the reviews and compare prices and decide on buying the products. The next day delivery option provided by Amazon under prime subscription is the best time-saving option for customers who need their products on urgent basis.

On the other hand, the online shopping trend will not be able to shut down the physical stores. There are still many people who value the experience of shopping in person especially when they intend to buy products that include inspection like clothing and footwear. While shopping in person, customers can try on different clothes and compare their size and material, however this is not possible in case of online shopping. Moreover, there are certain services like hair salon, body massage and nail art which can be achieved through online platforms. People need to specially visit these shop to enjoy the services. Eventually, the in person shopping centers provide recreational space to consumers. The government is building sources of entertainment, food and gaming near the shopping stores in order to attract the visitors which in turn boost the economy.

In my standpoint, the expansion of online shoppers is inevitable however, this growth can not close the shops in cities and towns because of the services and values they offer. In spite of, the in person stores are changing to coexist with online shopping platforms.

In conclusion, although the online shopping is gaining popularity all across the nation, the physical shops will continue to exist along with them because both type of shopping techniques serve different needs and preferences of customers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, maintaining a clear position throughout. You effectively balance the arguments for online shopping with the reasons why physical stores will persist. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between transactional shopping and experiential services like salons. To reach a higher band, ensure that all examples are fully integrated; for instance, the mention of 'hair salon' and 'nail art' is a strong point, but could be linked more explicitly to the concept of 'social and cultural values' mentioned in your introduction. Overall, the response is well-supported and relevant.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two sides of the argument. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Apart from this', and 'Consequently' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as 'In spite of' at the end of the fourth paragraph, which is used incorrectly as a connector. Improving the flow between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some flexibility. Phrases like 'burgeoning at an alarming level' and 'swamped in their schedule' show an attempt to use less common lexical items. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'all type of objects' (should be 'all types of products') and 'achieved through online platforms' (when referring to services like massages). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the higher bands where more precise and natural control is expected.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You show good control over complex sentences, such as 'While shopping in person, customers can try on different clothes...'. However, there are persistent minor errors, such as 'both type of shopping techniques' (should be 'both types') and 'visit these shop' (should be 'shops'). Additionally, the sentence 'In spite of, the in person stores are changing...' is grammatically incomplete. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not significantly hinder the reader's understanding.

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