Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-21

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)

Nowadays, many processed foods and drinks contain excessive amounts of sugar. Although people have the freedom to choose what they eat, I agree that sugary products should be made more expensive because higher prices can discourage excessive consumption and encourage healthier choices.

Firstly, increasing the price of sugary products could reduce the amount of sugar people consume. Many people regularly buy soft drinks, chocolates and other sweet products because they are affordable and easily available. If these products become more expensive, consumers may purchase them less frequently or choose healthier alternatives such as fresh fruit, milk or unsweetened drinks. For example, a student who buys a sugary drink every day might decide to drink water instead if the price of the soft drink increases significantly.

Secondly, reducing sugar consumption can help prevent various health problems. A diet containing too much sugar can contribute to obesity and increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Therefore, a higher price could act as a financial incentive for people to make healthier dietary decisions. The money collected through such taxes could also be used to improve public health programmes and educate people about healthy eating.

However, simply increasing prices may not be enough. Some people may continue buying sugary products despite higher prices, while low-income families could be affected more heavily. Therefore, governments should combine a sugar tax with measures such as clearer food labels, public awareness campaigns and better access to affordable healthy food.

In conclusion, I agree that making sugary food and drinks more expensive can help reduce sugar consumption. However, this policy would be more effective if it were introduced alongside education and other measures that make healthier choices easier for everyone.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task fully and maintains a clear, consistent position throughout the essay. The stance that sugary products should be made more expensive is supported by relevant arguments concerning health benefits, consumer behaviour, and government revenue. Ideas are well developed, particularly in the second and third body paragraphs where the mechanisms of price deterrence and subsequent public health impacts are discussed. The writer also introduces a nuanced counter-argument regarding low-income families and suggests complementary measures, demonstrating a mature approach to the prompt. According to the Band 7 and 8 descriptors, the response covers all parts well, presents a clear position, and extends ideas effectively with relevant explanations and examples, fully deserving a Band 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and a smooth overall progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme (reduced consumption, health benefits, counter-arguments, and conclusion). Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without being overly mechanical, as seen with transition markers like 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is clear throughout, and the relationship between ideas is easily followed. This aligns closely with the Band 8 descriptor for Coherence and Cohesion due to the logical sequencing and well-managed cohesive features.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Words and phrases such as 'processed foods', 'excessive consumption', 'financial incentive', and 'public awareness campaigns' show an ability to use less common lexical items with a good awareness of collocation and style. There are occasional slight generalisations or common collocations, but no errors impede communication. The vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures alongside accurate simple sentences, such as 'Although people have the freedom to choose what they eat, I agree that...' and 'If these products become more expensive, consumers may purchase them less frequently...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. While there are no major systematic errors, minor slips or slightly repetitive structural patterns prevent it from reaching the highest band. It meets the Band 7 descriptors well, exhibiting frequent error-free sentences and good overall control.

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