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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people prefer shopping in shopping centres while others prefer local markets.

What are the advantages of each?
Which shopping experience do you prefer?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

You should write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:
Many shoppers are inclined to shop in shopping malls, whereas others choose local markets. While shopping centres offer the convenience of buying products from a wide range of items, I argue that choosing a local market is more advantageous as it contributes to preserving cultural heritage and supports the local farmers.

Many individuals prefer to go to shopping centres to purchase products due to convenience because these centres offer customers a one-stop point, providing a vast array of shops and services in a single destination. In simple words, shoppers can browse around multiple stops, compare prices, and select from a diverse range of products, including groceries, clothes, electronic gadgets, and more. This convenience, thus, allows individuals to buy everything they require under one roof, saving effort and time. For example, a shopping mall may have jewellery shops, departmental stores, supermarkets, and Cineplex all under the same roof.

Others choose to shop from local markets due to the fact that it helps to preserve local culture and heritage and supports local farmers. Local markets quite often showcase traditional crafts and arts that reflect the local culture. By buying these items, individuals can support the local economy, craftsmen and artisans, protecting their livelihood and providing motivation to retain their traditional occupation. To illustrate, purchasing hand-loomed fabrics from local markets in India aids the local handloom weavers and helps conserve the centuries-old skill of handloom weaving. For this reason, I think that preferring to shop from the local market is far more advantageous.  

In conclusion, although many consumers prefer shopping centres for convenience, this essay finds that buying from the local market is better because this can preserve local culture and heritage and support local growers.
 

Sample Answer 2: (In favour of shopping centres.)
Shopping complexes have become more popular than local markets, especially in many cities, because of the different advantages they offer. Despite this, people still prefer local markets due to the benefits they grant. This essay will discuss the advantages of each type of marketplace. Personally, I prefer shopping centres over local markets.

On the one hand, modern shopping malls have a far better environment and a variety of shops in a single place. The shops are organised, give a better shopping experience, and save time by allowing customers to get whatever products they need under one roof. Moreover, the environment of shopping malls is way better than that of local markets. These shops accept digital payment methods, such as credit and debit cards, which is suitable for such cardholders. It is often said that shopping malls are the future of shopping while local markets are the concept of bygone days.

On the other hand, local markets also offer a wide range of advantages and products to people. The freshness of vegetables, fishes and fruits could be a great advantage of shopping from local markets. The cheap price is another reason why many people think local markets are better places for shopping. Local small business vendors sell their products in such a traditional market and they often support the local economy. Therefore, these advantages exemplify the advantages and importance of such traditional markets.

To conclude, shopping centres and local markets both have various positive aspects. The preference often depends on the type of product we buy and the convenience we seek. I believe shopping centres provide me with a better shopping experience, and that is why I mostly shop from a shopping centre.

[Written by - Anton Rodrigo]

Sample Answer 3: (In favour of local markets)
People have different preferences in term of shopping places and shopping experience. Many people choose to shop from a mall or plaza while others like to buy goods from a traditional market. The following paragraphs outline the benefits of both settings. My preference, however, is a traditional market because I like to bargain price and buy fresh products.

For several reasons, some people decide to purchase goods from a large shopping centre. Firstly, shopping in a shopping mall is safer than that of local markets. Malls and plazas are equipped with a surveillance system, while security guards make sure no snatching and robbery take place. Secondly, shopping in a mega-complex is more convenient and comfortable as most shopping malls are equipped with air conditioners that make the temperature soothing. Facilities like a play zone for children, credit card payment, cineplex, food court etc. attract many more customers.

However, some people still prefer local markets for various reasons. It is a fact that product prices in a traditional market are comparatively cheaper. Besides, many unique and traditional products are not sold in modern shopping complexes but are available in local markets. For examples, many traditional and handmade crafts are only sold in local markets, and each item is unique because it is a custom made product. Finally, the freshness of fishes, fruits and vegetables in a local market is perhaps the most significant advantage for choosing it over a large shopping centre.

In conclusion, it is undeniable that shopping in modern shopping centres and traditional markets have their own positive aspects. I personally like to shop at a local market because I could buy things at a better price and get fresh fruits and vegetables whenever I want.

[Written by - Darwin Sugiharto]

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