Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-04
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, which causes many health problems. Sugary products should be made more expensive to encourage people to consume less sugar.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 7.0)
Many processed food and beverage products contain excessive amounts of sugar, which can lead to serious health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Some people argue that increasing the price of sugary products would discourage consumption and improve public health. I largely agree with this view, although it should be combined with other measures to achieve the best results.
One of the main reasons for making sugary products more expensive is that higher prices can reduce demand. When consumers are required to pay more for soft drinks, sweets, and other sugar-rich products, they are more likely to choose healthier alternatives. This approach has already proven effective in several countries that have introduced sugar taxes. As a result, many manufacturers have reduced the sugar content of their products, while consumers have become more aware of the health risks associated with excessive sugar intake.
Furthermore, the additional revenue generated from such taxes could be invested in public health programs. Governments could use these funds to promote nutritional education, improve healthcare services, and encourage physical activity. In this way, the policy would not only discourage unhealthy eating habits but also support broader efforts to improve public health.
However, increasing prices alone may not completely solve the problem. Some people may continue purchasing sugary products regardless of the cost, especially if they are accustomed to consuming them regularly. Therefore, governments should also implement educational campaigns and require clearer food labeling so that consumers can make informed choices about their diets.
In conclusion, I agree that sugary food and drink products should be made more expensive because this can reduce consumption and generate funds for health initiatives. Nevertheless, price increases should be accompanied by education and awareness campaigns to maximize their effectiveness.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the use of tax revenue for public health initiatives. You also provide a balanced view by acknowledging that price increases alone are insufficient, which adds depth to your argument. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score. The structure is well-balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
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 make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'In this way', and 'Nevertheless' to link your arguments. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs supporting the main argument, a counter-argument paragraph, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear to the reader.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'excessive amounts of sugar', 'healthier alternatives', and 'informed choices' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the topic well, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if they are accustomed to...') and relative clauses ('which can lead to...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and professional, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence that allows for clear and sophisticated expression of your arguments.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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