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)

It is widely contended that the high sugar content in processed foods and drinks is a primary driver of serious health conditions, including obesity and diabetes. To curb consumption, some advocate for levying higher taxes to make these items more expensive. I largely agree with this policy, as fiscal disincentives discourage unhealthy purchases, provided the tax revenues fund nutritious alternatives.

​A compelling argument in favor of price increases stems from the principle of financial deterrence. Raising taxes on sugary goods directly reduces consumer demand, particularly among price-sensitive buyers. To exemplify this phenomenon, countries that introduced a dedicated "soda tax" observed an immediate decline in soft drink sales. Consequently, making unhealthy products more costly encourages individuals to substitute them with cheaper, healthier alternatives like water or whole fruits.

​Furthermore, increasing prices forces food manufacturers to reformulate their recipes. To keep products in lower tax brackets and remain competitive, companies are incentivized to reduce added sugars. This structural shift is invaluable because it lowers sugar intake across the population without relying solely on individual willpower.

​However, price hikes alone may disproportionately impact low-income families who rely on inexpensive, calorie-dense foods. To prevent financial strain, governments must redirect the tax revenue toward subsidizing fresh produce and expanding public nutrition education.

​In conclusion, I firmly maintain that making sugary products more expensive is an effective strategy to reduce consumption and compel industry reform. Nevertheless, this fiscal measure must be paired with subsidies for healthy foods to achieve lasting public health benefits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the essay, directly addressing the prompt regarding the taxation of sugary products. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of a soda tax and the consideration of low-income families. However, it must be noted that the response contains 247 words, which is slightly below the mandatory 250-word minimum specified in the instructions. This minor shortfall requires a slight penalty under Task Achievement, preventing the score from reaching a higher band. Nevertheless, the task is comprehensively addressed with strong, logical extension of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Coherence and cohesion are managed to a high standard throughout the response. The essay follows a clear logical organization and progression, moving seamlessly from the introduction to arguments regarding financial deterrence, manufacturer reformulation, socioeconomic considerations, and a balanced conclusion. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately, with each paragraph centering on a distinct controlling idea. Cohesive devices are employed flexibly without feeling mechanical or obtrusive, as seen in transitions like 'Consequently', 'Furthermore', and 'However'. Referencing and substitution are handled adeptly, ensuring the reader can easily follow the flow of arguments from one point to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common and precise items are used with skill, including expressions such as 'fiscal disincentives', 'financial deterrence', 'price-sensitive buyers', 'reformulate their recipes', and 'calorie-dense foods'. Word choice and collocations are generally very natural and sophisticated. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies or less common items that could be slightly polished, but overall the lexical resource is strong and easily supports precise and nuanced communication of ideas on public health policy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of flexibility and control. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as conditional and participial clauses (e.g., 'To curb consumption, some advocate...', 'Raising taxes on sugary goods directly reduces...', 'To prevent financial strain, governments must...'). Grammar and punctuation are handled with excellent precision, and any potential errors are extremely rare and non-systematic. The control over complex grammatical forms comfortably satisfies the criteria for an upper-band score.

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