Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-24

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

People should never eat meat because raising animals for human consumption is cruel.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Give reasons for your answer, and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

It is argued by some that meat consumption should be entirely banned due to the cruelty inherent in livestock farming. Demands for meat products also indirectly promote animal hunting and wildlife exploitation. I agree with this notion only to a limited extent; while commercial animal exploitation is undeniably brutal, a total prohibition is impractical because dietary habits are deeply entrenched in geography, religion, and ancestral heritage.

On the one hand, the moral case against meat is fueled by soaring levels of animal cruelty and environmental degradation. The insatiable demand for meat fuels commercial poultry and livestock businesses that prioritize profit over welfare, while concurrently driving the poaching and hunting of wild species to satisfy niche markets. Prominent examples include the distressing conditions of wet markets like the one in Wuhan, or the illegal smuggling of dogs in Nagaland, India. To combat these issues, animal rights organizations like PETA run aggressive awareness campaigns to expose the wretched, captive conditions of modern farms and curb illegal animal procurement. Moreover, the Government of India has rightfully banned the selling and distribution of dog meat in Nagaland to crack down on these illegal killings

However, a universal mandate forcing citizens to abandon meat is unfeasible. Diet is heavily dictated by geographical constraints and religious beliefs inherited from ancestors. For instance, populations in polar or arid regions rely strictly on animal protein for survival. Furthermore, state authorities cannot legally regulate the private food choices of common people without violating personal freedoms. Fortunately, the market is organically adapting. The increasing availability of sophisticated, plant-based meats offers a viable alternative, allowing consumers to choose cruelty-free diets voluntarily, with organizations like Beyond Meat pioneering this industry. Globally, authorities are successfully promoting plant-based meat and vegan culture on a massive scale.

In conclusion, while hunting and commercial greed demand stricter regulation and heightened public awareness, a blanket ban on meat is unsustainable. Food habits are a complex byproduct of culture and geography that are better navigated through the voluntary adoption of plant-based alternatives..

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt, discussing both the moral arguments surrounding animal cruelty and the counter-arguments related to culture, geography, and personal freedom. A clear position is established in the introduction ('I agree with this notion only to a limited extent') and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of wet markets in Wuhan and the role of organizations like PETA and Beyond Meat. The arguments are extended logically, showing a strong understanding of the prompt's nuances and meeting all Band 7 and Band 8 requirements for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments for animal protection, the counter-arguments regarding feasibility and culture, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to structure the response. Referencing and substitution are managed well, ensuring the flow of ideas is never interrupted. The cohesion meets the criteria for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The writer displays a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an IELTS General Training task. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'deeply entrenched', 'environmental degradation', 'insatiable demand', and 'geographical constraints'. Word choice is generally precise, with only occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. The use of subject-specific terminology ('commercial poultry', 'plant-based meats', 'wildlife exploitation') demonstrates an impressive command of lexical resource, comfortably placing this response in the Band 8 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong. Examples of complex structures include 'while commercial animal exploitation is undeniably brutal, a total prohibition is impractical because dietary habits are deeply entrenched...' and 'The increasing availability of sophisticated, plant-based meats offers a viable alternative...'. Errors are very occasional and non-systematic, such as a minor punctuation slip at the very end of the essay with a double period, which does not detract from the overall high quality of grammatical control. This aligns well with Band 8 descriptors.

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