Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Many manufactured food and drink products contain high levels of sugar, and excessive sugar consumption has become an important health concern in many societies. Some people argue that sugary products should be made more expensive so that consumers are encouraged to buy and consume less of them. I agree with this view to a large extent because higher prices can discourage excessive consumption and can also encourage manufacturers to offer healthier alternatives. However, taxation alone cannot solve the problem, and it should be combined with education and other public health measures.

The first reason why I support making sugary products more expensive is that price has a direct influence on consumer behaviour. When a product becomes more expensive, people often reconsider whether they really need it, especially when it is not an essential item. Sugary drinks, sweets, biscuits and many processed snacks are generally discretionary purchases. If the price of these products rises significantly, some consumers may reduce the frequency with which they buy them or choose smaller portions. This is particularly relevant for young people, who may have limited money and therefore be more sensitive to price changes. For example, a teenager who regularly buys several bottles of a sugary soft drink every week might decide to purchase water or an unsweetened drink instead if the sugary option becomes considerably more expensive.

Another important argument is that excessive sugar intake can contribute to a number of health problems. Regular consumption of large amounts of added sugar is associated with weight gain and an increased risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes and dental decay. In addition, highly processed foods that contain large quantities of sugar can be easy to overconsume because they are often designed to be attractive and convenient. As a result, people may consume more calories than they require without fully realizing it. If governments use taxation to increase the price of products with exceptionally high sugar content, consumers may become more conscious of the health consequences of their choices. The additional cost may act as a financial reminder to limit consumption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear, well-developed position on whether sugary products should be made more expensive. The introduction clearly states an agreement to a large extent while introducing the nuance that taxation should be combined with other measures. The body paragraphs are well-extended with relevant examples and explanations, such as the discussion on consumer behavior among young people and the physiological consequences of excessive sugar intake. Ideas are supported effectively throughout the essay. The response demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment in line with Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas from the introduction through the well-defined body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are managed very well without feeling mechanical, utilizing linking phrases such as 'The first reason why', 'Another important argument', and 'As a result' to guide the reader seamlessly. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing throughout the text is clear and precise, ensuring that relationships between ideas are easily tracked by the reader, which firmly places this performance in the Band 8 category.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common items such as 'discretionary purchases', 'excessive consumption', and 'physiological consequences' are used with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and there are only occasional minor inaccuracies or common collocations. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the piece. While it does not consistently display the fully natural and sophisticated control required for higher bands, it easily meets the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, demonstrating solid overall control. Sentences such as 'When a product becomes more expensive, people often reconsider whether they really need it' and 'If the price of these products rises significantly, some consumers may reduce the frequency...' illustrate effective use of subordination and conditional clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. Although a few more sophisticated structures could elevate the range further, the current level of accuracy and variety fully satisfies the Band 7 descriptors.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.