Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-24

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 7.5)

In modern society, the insufficient recycling of household waste has emerged as a pressing concern. This issue is primarily driven by a lack of accessible recycling facilities, but it can be effectively mitigated through government-funded infrastructure programs.

The root cause of this situation lies in the inconvenience and absence of proper waste sorting bins in many residential areas. In detail, when people have to travel long distances to drop off recyclable materials, they usually choose to throw everything into the general trash to save time. Due to the fact that many local municipal councils fail to provide separate bins for paper, plastic, and glass at every doorstep, the problem continues to escalate. For instance, residents in many sprawling suburban areas often receive only one general waste bin for all their daily garbage. As a result, this creates a major obstacle for global environmental preservation efforts.

To address this dilemma, a concerted effort is required, primarily through the widespread provision of accessible recycling infrastructure. Governments ought to supply distinctly colored recycling bins to every single household and schedule regular weekly pickups. By taking this measure, it would ensure that citizens can effortlessly separate their rubbish directly from the comfort of their own homes. A good illustration of this policy in action is seen in Germany, where easily accessible community bins and clear guidelines have successfully led to incredibly high national recycling rates. Consequently, this would substantially diminish the problem.

In conclusion, the unacceptably low rate of public recycling is largely provoked by the widespread lack of convenient disposal facilities. Nevertheless, by implementing comprehensive door-to-door recycling services, societies can effectively manage and resolve this predicament.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly identifying why people do not recycle as much as they could—namely, the lack of accessible facilities and inconvenience—and proposing practical solutions, such as government-funded infrastructure. The position is well-developed and sustained throughout the essay. The student supports their main arguments with relevant explanations and a strong real-world example regarding Germany's waste management system. The ideas flow logically from the causes in the second paragraph to the solutions in the third paragraph, meeting all requirements of the task effectively. There are no missing components or under-developed arguments. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concise conclusion. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices are managed well, using phrases like 'The root cause of this situation', 'To address this dilemma', and 'Consequently' to guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Referencing is clear and accurate throughout the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay has a well-structured and balanced layout. While the cohesion is clear and effective, it occasionally relies on standard connectors rather than completely natural, unobtrusive transitions, keeping it at a solid Band 7 level rather than the highest bands.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used appropriately, such as 'insufficient recycling', 'mitigated', 'sprawling suburban areas', and 'environmental preservation efforts'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-formation errors. The student successfully incorporates topic-specific vocabulary related to waste management and municipal services. Although the vocabulary is strong and communicative, it stops short of the wide, flexible range and highly sophisticated control of uncommon lexical items required for Band 8. Therefore, a Band 7.5 is fully justified.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-controlled clauses and subordinate structures, such as 'Due to the fact that many local municipal councils fail to provide...' and 'By taking this measure, it would ensure that citizens can effortlessly separate...'. Punctuation and grammatical control are consistently strong throughout the text, with only very occasional minor awkwardness that never impedes communication. The control over complex syntax places this response securely in the Band 8 category.

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