Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Concern for the environment is growing and more and more people are choosing to recycle. But some people suggest that recycling is not enough. They believe we need to consume less.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Due to the concern for the environment, an increasing number of people are choosing to recycle, whereas I would argue that solely depending on recycling cannot fundamentally change the current situation, and that we need to reduce consumption at the same time.

First and foremost, it is worth acknowledging the significance of recycling. Not only can this approach make the most of a variety of resources but it can also reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment. For instance, many marine animals are on the verge of extinction because of eating plastic waste released by factories. If households and factories separate recyclable waste from other waste first, this phenomenon will not be repeated in the future. On the contrary, the resources saved by recycling can even be used for supporting animal conservation.

Besides recycling, reducing consumption is the key to preserving the natural environment and wildlife. To illustrate this, if we can reduce unnecessary waste of water and other natural resources, manufacturers will accordingly reduce the number of activities that damage forests, cutting fewer trees, which can absorb greenhouse gases and generate oxygen. In addition, a decreased level of deforestation can preserve more natural habitats for wild animals. The number of tigers in the north of China, for example, has been increasing since the government started encouraging the general public to use less and implementing strict policies on factories. As a result, humanity will be less likely to face resource depletion and our future generations may still be able to appreciate other species.

In conclusion, in order to protect the environment, governments ought to promote the idea of recycling and encourage citizens to use less because this comprehensive approach might be able to fundamentally improve animal welfare and save more environmental resources, which is aligned with the concept of sustainability.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.5
Coherence and Cohesion8.0
Lexical Resource7.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.5
Overall7.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the importance of recycling and the necessity of reducing consumption. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and well-supported with examples, such as the impact of plastic on marine life and the conservation of tigers in China. To reach a higher band, ensure that your arguments are fully extended; for instance, you could further explore the economic or societal challenges of reducing consumption to provide a more balanced and nuanced discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'On the contrary', and 'In addition' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the referencing is clear. To improve, ensure that the transition between the two main arguments is even smoother to create a more cohesive flow throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases like 'on the verge of extinction', 'resource depletion', and 'concept of sustainability' are used appropriately. There is an awareness of style, and the language is generally natural. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic terms would help elevate the response further. The word choices are accurate and do not impede communication at any point.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You show control over grammatical forms, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There are no significant issues with punctuation or syntax that hinder the reader's understanding. While your grammar is solid, you could aim for a wider variety of complex structures, such as more frequent use of passive voice or conditional clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility and reach the higher band descriptors.

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