Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-01

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 growth of online shopping has created a significant debate about whether physical shops will eventually disappear from towns and cities. Although online shopping offers several advantages, I disagree with the idea that it will completely replace traditional shops because physical stores provide benefits that online retailers cannot easily replicate.

One of the main advantages of physical shops is that customers can see and feel a product before purchasing it. Although online retailers offer a wider range of products and often provide attractive discounts, they cannot completely reproduce the experience of examining an item in person. For example, when buying clothes, customers can try them on and check whether the size, colour and material are suitable for them. This can reduce the likelihood of purchasing an unsuitable product and subsequently having to return it.

Another important factor is the convenience and sense of security provided by local shops. Some customers are uncomfortable entering their personal and financial information, such as their address and credit card details, on unfamiliar websites. In a physical shop, they can pay directly and communicate with staff if there is a problem with their purchase. Furthermore, returning or exchanging certain products can be easier when customers can visit the shop in person rather than arranging an online return and waiting for the item to be collected.

That said, online shopping will undoubtedly continue to grow because it is convenient, saves time and allows people to compare prices easily. However, I believe that online retailers and physical shops will coexist rather than one completely replacing the other.

In conclusion, although online shopping has become increasingly popular, I disagree that it will result in all physical shops closing. The ability to examine products in person, receive immediate assistance and make straightforward returns will continue to make traditional shops valuable to consumers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with relevant arguments. You have effectively balanced the discussion by acknowledging the growth of online shopping while providing strong, logical reasons for the continued relevance of physical stores, such as the ability to inspect goods and the security of in-person transactions. The ideas are well-developed and extended, meeting the requirements for a Band 8.0. To reach a Band 9.0, you could further deepen the analysis by perhaps discussing the 'experiential' or 'social' aspect of shopping as a leisure activity, which is a key factor in why physical high streets persist.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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 smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'Furthermore', and 'That said', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The structure is consistent with Band 8.0, as the flow is natural and the use of linking words is skillful without being mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'replicate', 'subsequently', 'unfamiliar websites', and 'coexist' show a level of precision and flexibility. The vocabulary is used accurately throughout the text. While the language is natural and clear, it stays within a standard range. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions, such as 'brick-and-mortar stores' instead of 'physical shops' or 'the convenience factor' to add more academic flair to your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although online shopping offers several advantages, I disagree...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the piece, which is characteristic of a Band 8.0 performance.

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

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