Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-31

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)

Online shopping has become extremely popular in recent years, and many people believe that it will eventually cause all physical shops in towns and cities to close. Although online shopping is growing quickly, I do not fully agree with the idea that traditional shops will disappear completely. In my view, online stores will continue to expand, but physical shops will still remain important for many customers.

One reason is that many people prefer to see, touch, and test products before buying them. For example, when buying clothes, shoes, or electronic items, customers often want to check the size, colour, or quality in person. Online shopping cannot fully replace this experience, even if it is more convenient. In addition, shopping in malls or local markets is a social activity for many families and friends. People enjoy walking around, eating together, and spending time outside, which online shopping cannot provide.

Another reason is that some services simply cannot be offered online. Hair salons, medical clinics, repair shops, and supermarkets must operate in physical locations. Even though grocery delivery is becoming more common, many customers still prefer to buy fresh food directly from stores. As a result, cities will continue to need different types of shops to meet daily needs.

However, it is true that online shopping may reduce the number of small shops that cannot compete with large online companies. Some traditional stores might close, but many will adapt by offering both online and in‑store services.

In conclusion, although online shopping will continue to grow, I do not believe it will lead to all shops closing. Physical stores still play an important role in daily life, and many people will continue to use them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between retail products that require physical inspection and services that inherently require a physical presence. The arguments are logical and supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of hair salons and medical clinics. The conclusion effectively summarizes your stance without introducing new information. To reach the highest band, you could further extend the discussion on how traditional shops are adapting to the digital age, perhaps by mentioning 'omnichannel' retail strategies.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'One reason is', 'In addition', 'Another reason is', and 'However'. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The referencing is clear throughout, and the flow of information is natural. The structure is very solid, making the essay easy to follow and professional in its presentation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'physical locations', 'compete with large online companies', and 'adapt by offering' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and clear, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated, less common lexical items or idiomatic collocations related to the retail industry, such as 'brick-and-mortar establishments', 'consumer behavior', or 'market saturation'. However, your current usage is error-free and fits the context well.

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, such as the conditional 'even if it is more convenient' and the concessive 'although online shopping will continue to grow'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free. To move toward a higher band, you could experiment with more varied complex structures, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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