Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Academic Practice Accelerator · 2026-09-29

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 5.5)

In numerous societies around the world, human beings are hesitant when having to procure better ways of managing waste. Some of them choose to throw dry and wet waste together, while others choose to recycle their garbage. This essay will provide an overview of why this occurs, as well as the number of other ways of managing garbage that can be adapted by human beings throughout the world.

Lack of awareness is one of the key aspects for having such a situation arise; similarly, human carelessness, lack of civic sense, lack of punishment, or a minimal amount of fee for mixing garbage are some of the reasons why people tend not to recycle rubbish as much as possible, as well as take this initiative as seriously as they could.

Attention paid by teachers at school, similarly by parents at home, while the children develop the habit of disposing of waste, can make a significant difference. The Government should place enough recycling bins every few kilometres, so that it is more convenient for the public to access recyclying their rubbish. The Government can also develop schemes where people will earn a few bucks on recycling used plastic bottles, metal cans, etc. This will serve as an encouragement to some people, as well as motivate others to try.

In conclusion, mainly the lack of societal responsibility and other such factors are responsible for the low recycling percentage across nations, although they can be resolved upon taking a few steps on a personal as well as national level, for the betterment of our future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response successfully addresses both parts of the prompt, exploring the reasons behind low recycling rates—such as a lack of awareness, carelessness, and minimal fees—and proposing practical solutions like government schemes and educational efforts. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as earning money on plastic bottles and metal cans. Although some points in the second paragraph are slightly condensed into a list-like structure, the main requirements of the task are adequately met, aligning closely with the Band 6 descriptors where all parts are addressed with relevant ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction and conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate reasons from solutions, though the second paragraph is a single, rather long, list-like sentence. Cohesive devices are generally used to guide the reader, with phrases like 'In numerous societies' and 'In conclusion' marking transitions effectively. However, referencing and transitional links within the body paragraphs occasionally feel slightly mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'similarly' or 'as well as', placing this response securely in the Band 6 descriptor range for logical progression and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying the intended meaning regarding waste management. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'procure', 'civic sense', and 'incentive-based phrasing', though word choices are sometimes slightly awkward or unidiomatic, such as 'procure better ways' or 'earn a few bucks'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and communication is never impeded. The range of vocabulary demonstrates an acceptable level for Band 6, containing sufficient flexibility to discuss environmental issues.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and introductory participial phrases such as 'while the children develop the habit'. There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, notably in sentences like 'Lack of awareness is one of the key aspects for having such a situation arise', which is somewhat convoluted. Punctuation is generally functional, and while errors exist, the majority of simple sentences are error-free and communication is not impeded, fitting the Band 6 criteria well.

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