Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-08-27
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
In many countries, people do not recycle their rubbish as much as they could.
Why do you think this is? What can be done to change this?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 7.0)
In many parts of the world, individuals do not recycle their daily household waste as much as they should. This issue stems mainly from a lack of public awareness and inadequate recycling facilities, but it can be solved through educational campaigns and government investment in infrastructure.
The primary reason why people fail to recycle their trash sufficiently is a general lack of knowledge regarding waste sorting. Many citizens simply do not know which materials are recyclable and which are not, leading them to throw everything into regular garbage bins.
Furthermore, in many cities, the recycling infrastructure is quite inconvenient. For example, if local councils do not provide separate colored bins for plastic, paper, and glass near residential areas, citizens are less likely to travel long distances to dispose of their waste properly. Consequently, convenience often takes priority over environmental responsibility.
To tackle this problem, several effective measures can be implemented. Firstly, governments and local authorities should invest in improving waste management infrastructure. Providing separate recycling bins right outside houses or in every neighborhood would make the process much easier for residents. Secondly, awareness programs should be introduced in schools and media to educate people on how to sort their garbage and why recycling is important for protecting the environment. Lastly, introducing small financial incentives, such as giving cashback or store discounts for returning plastic bottles, can strongly encourage people to recycle daily.
In conclusion, although a lack of facilities and awareness prevents many people from recycling their waste, these challenges can be overcome. By making recycling more accessible and educating the public, governments can significantly increase recycling rates globally.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for low recycling rates and potential solutions. The ideas are well-developed and logically structured. For instance, the explanation of 'inconvenient infrastructure' is supported by a clear example regarding the lack of separate bins. The solutions provided—government investment, educational campaigns, and financial incentives—are relevant and directly answer the second part of the prompt. The position is clear throughout, and the essay maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The development of ideas is sufficient to meet the requirements of a Band 7.0 or higher, as the arguments are extended and supported with relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', 'Firstly', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear throughout. The flow of the essay is natural, and the relationship between the problems and the proposed solutions is well-managed, demonstrating a clear and logical structure that meets the criteria for a Band 7.5.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'waste management infrastructure', 'recyclable', 'financial incentives', and 'environmental responsibility'. The language is precise and conveys the intended meaning without difficulty. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, it does not consistently reach the level of 'sophisticated' or 'uncommon' lexical items required for the highest bands. However, the range is flexible enough to allow for clear expression, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the conditional structure 'if local councils do not provide... citizens are less likely to...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. The control over grammar is consistent, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. The variety of structures used is sufficient to support the clear communication of ideas, and the overall accuracy is high, justifying a strong score in this criterion.
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.