Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-18

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 7.5)

Many manufactured food and drink products contain excessive amounts of sugar, which can contribute to serious health problems. Some people believe that increasing the price of these products is an effective way to reduce sugar consumption. I strongly agree with this view because higher prices can discourage unhealthy choices and encourage consumers to choose healthier alternatives.

Firstly, making sugary products more expensive can reduce their consumption, particularly among young people. When the price of soft drinks, sweets and other high-sugar foods increases, consumers may be less willing to buy them regularly. This is especially important because excessive sugar intake can contribute to obesity, diabetes and dental problems. Therefore, a sugar tax could help reduce the number of people suffering from diet-related illnesses and lower the pressure on healthcare systems.

Secondly, higher prices can encourage both consumers and manufacturers to make healthier choices. If sugary products become less attractive financially, people may switch to products containing less sugar, such as water, unsweetened drinks and fresh foods. At the same time, food and beverage companies may respond to lower demand by reducing the amount of sugar in their products or developing healthier alternatives. The revenue collected from such taxes could also be invested in public health campaigns and nutritional education.

However, critics argue that increasing prices disproportionately affects people on lower incomes. While this is a valid concern, the policy can be designed carefully, with the additional tax focused mainly on products containing exceptionally high levels of sugar. Governments can also use the revenue to subsidise healthier foods or support health programmes for disadvantaged communities.

In conclusion, I agree that sugary food and drinks should be made more expensive. Although this policy may place some additional financial pressure on consumers, its potential to reduce excessive sugar consumption, improve public health and encourage healthier products makes it a worthwhile measure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. Each paragraph develops a distinct, relevant argument: the impact on consumption, the potential for industry change, and a balanced consideration of the counter-argument regarding low-income groups. The ideas are well-supported with logical reasoning, such as the suggestion that tax revenue could be used to subsidise healthier alternatives. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' effectively. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of cohesive devices. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'excessive amounts', 'disproportionately affects', and 'nutritional education' show a level of precision and sophistication. The word choices are generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, there is room to incorporate more idiomatic or less common academic collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey your arguments clearly and with a professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If sugary products become less attractive financially, people may switch...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. The grammar is consistent and supports the clarity of your arguments. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the variety of structures used demonstrates a high level of proficiency. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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