Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-18

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 processed foods and beverages contain excessive amounts of sugar, contributing to obesity, diabetes and other health problems. One proposed solution is to increase the price of these products so that people are encouraged to consume less of them. I agree with this approach, although I believe it should be accompanied by other measures.

Higher prices can discourage unnecessary consumption because purchasing decisions are partly influenced by cost. This is particularly relevant to products such as soft drinks, sweets and packaged desserts, which are generally not essential components of a healthy diet. If these items became considerably more expensive, some consumers would reduce their purchases or choose healthier alternatives. Moreover, imposing a tax on sugary products could generate substantial revenue for governments. This money could be invested in healthcare, nutritional education and programmes designed to make healthier foods more affordable.

However, increasing prices alone is unlikely to resolve the problem. Some people may continue buying sugary products despite higher costs because of established habits, preferences or effective marketing. A price increase could also disproportionately affect low-income consumers, for whom food expenditure already represents a significant proportion of household income. Governments should therefore combine taxation with policies such as restrictions on advertising unhealthy products to children, clearer nutritional labelling and incentives for manufacturers to reduce added sugar.

In conclusion, making sugary foods and drinks more expensive is a reasonable and potentially effective way of reducing excessive sugar consumption. Nevertheless, its impact would be considerably greater if it formed part of a broader strategy combining taxation, consumer education, responsible marketing and healthier food production.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The candidate addresses all parts of the task fully and presents a clear, well-developed position throughout the response. In the introduction, the writer clearly states agreement with the proposition while qualifying that additional measures are also necessary ("I agree with this approach, although I believe it should be accompanied by other measures"). Body paragraph 1 explores the direct economic and health benefits of higher prices, citing examples such as soft drinks, sweets, and packaged desserts, while also noting the generation of government revenue. Body paragraph 2 thoughtfully balances the argument by discussing limitations, such as existing habits and the disproportionate impact on low-income households. The conclusion neatly reiterates the main arguments. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning, satisfying all criteria for Band 7.5 or 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic: the introduction establishes the thesis, the first body paragraph argues in favor of the tax, the second body paragraph offers a counter-argument and alternative measures, and the conclusion summarizes the stance. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as "Moreover," "However," and "In conclusion," ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately. Referencing is clear and precise (e.g., "This money could be invested...", "This is particularly relevant to..."). The progression of thought is easy to follow from start to finish, meeting the requirements of a Band 8.0 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion on health and economics. Words and phrases such as "excessive amounts," "unnecessary consumption," "disproportionate impact," and "broader strategy" show a high level of lexical control and natural collocation. Less common items are used skillfully and appropriately (e.g., "imposing a tax," "household income," "incentives for manufacturers"). There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, and the terminology is precise throughout the essay. The lexical resource easily aligns with the Band 8.0 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The candidate displays a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The response features conditional and concessional structures, participial phrases, and well-controlled relative clauses (e.g., "...programmes designed to make healthier foods more affordable" and "...for whom food expenditure already represents a significant proportion..."). The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is managed securely throughout. Control over tense, agreement, and modal usage is exemplary. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing this performance solidly within the Band 8.0 descriptor.

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