Achieving a Band 6 in the IELTS Writing Task 2 can be challenging, especially with topics like online shopping. This essay presents a clear opinion but lacks depth in argument development and does not engage with opposing perspectives. Identifying and addressing these areas can help improve your score and create a more balanced argument.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Agree/ Disagree (Opinion) · Leisure & Lifestyle · 40 min
Some people believe that online grocery shopping is more convenient and efficient than visiting physical stores. Others argue that traditional shopping offers better quality control and a more personal experience.
Do you agree or disagree?Write at least 250 words.
Score Breakdown
IELTS Writing Band Scores (1–9)
Summary: The essay meets the minimum word count (277 words) and presents a clear opinion agreeing that online grocery shopping is more convenient and efficient. The arguments are relevant but are developed in a predictable, somewhat repetitive manner. The writer does not engage with the opposing viewpoint on quality control and personal experience, which limits the depth of the response. The structure is clear but basic, and language is generally adequate for the task with some noticeable errors and a limited range of vocabulary and grammar.
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Many people argue that traditional shopping provides better quality control and more personal experience while other believe that online shopping is more efficient and convenient rather than visiting the store physically. I agree with the latter one as I think online shopping saves resources, provides a larger variety of items and helps in making better decisions.
Visiting physical stores requires an ample amount of time and energy from individuals. They need to allocate travel time plus the time needed to find the items that they would like to purchase from the store. Along with that, pushing carts from section to section to find items can be tiring too. One can easily avoid all this hassle by ordering those items online. They save both time and energy as they can place the order within minutes and get back to their work.
Similarly, all the products that people are looking for might not be found on one store. They might have to go to two or even more stores at times. Online shopping provides a variety of options where you can choose items from different stores at a single point of time as well.
Along with that, online shopping also helps to make a better decision while choosing between alternatives. Choosing a particular item from a store can be really confusing. There are several alternative products from different companies and comparing them can be difficult in the store. It's relatively easier to compare whike choosing them online.
In conclusion, I believe that online grocery shopping is efficient and more convenient as it saves time and energy along with providing larger variety of products and assists in comparing between them.
AI Feedback Report Details
Spelling · Grammar · Vocabulary · Criteria Analysis
Spelling Mistakes
1 errors| Misspelled Word | Corrected Word |
|---|---|
| whike | while |
Grammatical Mistakes
5 errors| Mistake | Correction | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| while other believe | while others believe | Subject-pronoun agreement: 'other' should be plural 'others' to refer to multiple people |
| on one store | in one store | Preposition error: 'in' is used for enclosed spaces like stores |
| at a single point of time | at one time | Awkward phrasing; 'at one time' is more idiomatic and concise |
| It's relatively easier | It is relatively easier | Avoid contractions in formal writing; use full form 'It is' |
| providing larger variety of products | providing a larger variety of products | Article missing before 'larger variety'; 'a' is needed for correct noun phrase |
Vocabulary Improvements
7 suggestions| Original Word/Phrase | Improved Word/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| latter one | the latter | More concise and formal; 'one' is redundant in this context |
| hassle | inconvenience | Less informal; 'inconvenience' is more appropriate for academic writing |
| get back to their work | return to their work | More formal phrasing; 'get back to' is colloquial |
| at times | sometimes | Less informal; 'sometimes' is standard in formal writing |
| really confusing | very confusing | 'Really' is too informal; 'very' is more suitable for academic tone |
| assists in comparing | facilitates comparison | More academic and precise; 'facilitates comparison' is a stronger collocation |
| online grocery shopping | online shopping | Inconsistent terminology; the essay focuses on general shopping, not specifically grocery, so use consistent term |
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Detailed Criteria Feedback
AI-powered analysis for each scoring criterion
Task Response
6
Evaluation
The position is clear and the ideas are relevant to the topic. However, the development is limited. The essay only presents the advantages of online shopping (saving time/energy, variety, easier comparison) and does not address or refute the counter-arguments about quality control and personal experience presented in the question. This prevents a fully extended response. Main ideas are presented but are explained in a generalized way without specific, detailed examples.
Examples
The first body paragraph explains that physical shopping requires 'time and energy' and pushing carts is 'tiring', but it does not give a concrete example or data to strengthen this point. The third paragraph states comparing products is easier online but does not explain how (e.g., side-by-side reviews, detailed specifications).
How to Improve
To improve, address the other side of the argument. Briefly acknowledge the points about quality and personal experience, and explain why the convenience of online shopping outweighs them. Develop each main idea with more specific, illustrative examples. For instance, explain exactly how time is saved, or give a specific scenario where online variety was beneficial.
Coherence and Cohesion
6
Evaluation
The essay has a logical overall structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used, but the central topic of some paragraphs could be clearer, and progression of ideas is sometimes mechanical. Cohesive devices are used ('Similarly', 'Along with that', 'In conclusion'), but they are somewhat basic and repetitive. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points but does not add any new insight.
Examples
The second body paragraph begins with 'Similarly', but the link to the previous paragraph (saving time) is not entirely clear. The phrase 'Along with that' is used to start two consecutive paragraphs (the second and third body paragraphs), which feels repetitive.
How to Improve
Use a wider range of linking words and phrases to show more precise relationships between ideas (e.g., 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', 'A further significant advantage'). Ensure each paragraph has one clear central topic stated in a topic sentence. Create a smoother flow between paragraphs by referencing the previous idea more explicitly.
Lexical Resource
6
Evaluation
The vocabulary is adequate to discuss the topic and communicates the writer's ideas clearly. There is some attempt to use less common items ('ample amount of time', 'avoid all this hassle', 'alternatives'), but the choice is not always precise, and there is noticeable repetition of key terms ('time and energy', 'online shopping', 'items'). Spelling is generally accurate, with one minor typo.
Examples
Repetition of 'time and energy' and 'items'. The phrase 'at a single point of time' is not standard; 'at one time' or 'simultaneously' would be better. The typo 'whike' for 'while' is present.
How to Improve
Aim to use synonyms and paraphrasing to avoid repetition (e.g., 'physical stores' could be 'brick-and-mortar shops'; 'convenient' could be 'expedient'). Work on using collocations more naturally (e.g., 'save considerable time', 'make informed decisions', 'a wider selection'). Proofread to eliminate minor spelling errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
6
Evaluation
A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is attempted, which is sufficient for the task. There are several grammatical errors that are noticeable but do not severely hinder communication. Errors occur in areas such as articles, prepositions, and word form.
Examples
'other believe' should be 'others believe'. '...is more efficient and convenient rather than visiting...' - the comparative structure is awkward; '...is more efficient and convenient than visiting...' is correct. 'helps in making' is acceptable but 'helps make' is more concise. 'choose items... at a single point of time' contains a preposition error ('at one time').
How to Improve
Focus on accuracy with basic grammatical structures, especially articles ('a', 'the') and prepositions. Practice forming more complex sentences correctly, such as conditional clauses or relative clauses, to demonstrate a wider range. Review the correct use of comparative structures (e.g., 'more X than Y').
Tip: Review the Band 9 model answer to see how a high-scoring essay structures arguments, uses advanced vocabulary, and maintains coherence throughout.
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