Introduction
If you’re preparing for the IELTS Writing Task 2 two-part question essay, understanding how to answer both questions clearly and coherently is essential. This page provides a complete Band 8+ sample essay, a breakdown of the structure, advanced grammar usage, and a carefully chosen vocabulary list to help improve your writing score.
This is part of our complete IELTS Writing Task 2 series. You might also find these pages useful:
- IELTS Essay Types Explained (Opinion, Problem–Solution, Discussion, Two-Part)
- How to Write a Strong Thesis in IELTS
- IELTS Band Descriptors Explained
- IELTS Grammar for Advanced Writing
- IELTS Vocabulary by Topic: Education, Technology, Society
IELTS Task 2 Question: Two-Part Format
Nowadays, many people prefer to shop online instead of in physical stores.
Why do you think this trend has developed?
What are the effects of this change on traditional businesses?
Band 8 Sample Essay
Online shopping has become increasingly popular over the last decade, reshaping consumer habits around the world. This essay will argue that the rise of digital convenience and competitive pricing has led to this trend because consumers now prioritize speed and affordability. It will also examine how traditional retailers have suffered both economically and operationally as a result.
One reason for the growth of online shopping is the accessibility and ease it offers. With a few clicks, people can compare prices, read reviews, and have products delivered to their doors. This level of convenience has made digital platforms more attractive than physical stores, hasn’t it? In addition, e-commerce companies often offer lower prices due to reduced overhead costs. As people become more budget-conscious, online shopping naturally becomes the preferred option.
The effects on traditional businesses have been significant. Many small shops have closed due to declining foot traffic and reduced sales. Larger retailers have been forced to adapt by investing in online platforms themselves. However, not all have managed this transition successfully. The result is a shrinking presence of local businesses in many communities and a loss of the in-person shopping experience that once formed a key part of social interaction.
In conclusion, this essay has argued that online shopping has developed because of convenience and cost-effectiveness, and the effects on traditional businesses include widespread closures and the need for digital adaptation. Whether this shift continues will depend on how well traditional retailers respond to changing consumer expectations.
Grammar Focus 1: Tag Questions
Tag questions are used to seek confirmation or soften a statement. While IELTS essays are formal, a single tag question can add tone variation in Band 8+ writing when used deliberately.
Structure:
- Positive sentence → Negative tag
- Negative sentence → Positive tag
Example from essay:
“This level of convenience has made digital platforms more attractive than physical stores, hasn’t it?”
Grammar Focus 2: Inversion for Emphasis
Inversion is a formal grammar technique that helps emphasize ideas by switching word order.
Structure:
- Negative adverbial + auxiliary + subject + verb
Examples:
- Rarely have traditional businesses faced such disruption.
- Not only has e-commerce transformed shopping, but it has also reshaped logistics.
Tip: Use inversion sparingly for impact — usually once per essay.
Vocabulary List (Band 8 Level)
| Word / Phrase | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| E-commerce | Buying/selling online | E-commerce has revolutionized the retail sector. |
| Overhead costs | Business expenses (e.g., rent) | Online stores save money on overhead costs. |
| Consumer habits | Patterns in how people buy things | Digital platforms have reshaped consumer habits. |
| Foot traffic | Number of people visiting a store | Traditional shops have seen a decline in foot traffic. |
| Digital adaptation | Shifting to online tools/systems | Many retailers have invested in digital adaptation. |
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Explore more expert-level IELTS Writing resources:
- Band 8 Opinion, Discussion, and Problem–Solution Essay Samples
- Full Guide to IELTS Writing Band Descriptors
- Sentence Structures for High-Scoring Essays
- Grammar Techniques for Academic Writing
- Download Our Free PDF: IELTS Power Writing – 10 High-Impact Essay Openings
This content is part of the IELTS Power Writing series, created by an instructor with over 25 years of experience helping students reach Band 7 and 8. Our focus is clarity, structure, and confidence — giving you the tools you need to write like a top scorer.
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