Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

Environmental protection has become a major global concern, and many people believe that recycling is an effective way to reduce pollution. However, others argue that recycling alone is insufficient and that people should consume fewer goods. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe reducing consumption is the more effective long-term solution.

On the one hand, recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment. It helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserves natural resources, and saves energy that would otherwise be used to produce new materials. For example, recycling paper reduces the need to cut down trees, while recycling aluminium requires far less energy than manufacturing it from raw materials. Moreover, recycling programmes encourage environmental awareness and motivate people to adopt more sustainable habits.

On the other hand, many argue that recycling only addresses waste after it has been created. Excessive consumption results in the overuse of natural resources, high levels of pollution during production, and unnecessary packaging. If people buy only what they truly need, fewer products will be manufactured, leading to lower carbon emissions and less waste. For instance, using reusable shopping bags, repairing damaged items instead of replacing them, and avoiding single-use plastics can significantly reduce environmental harm before it occurs.

In my opinion, while recycling is undoubtedly important, reducing consumption should be given greater priority. Recycling systems are not perfect, as many recyclable materials still end up in landfills due to contamination or inadequate facilities. Preventing waste at its source is therefore a more sustainable and cost-effective approach. Nevertheless, the best results can be achieved when individuals both consume responsibly and recycle whenever possible.

In conclusion, recycling makes a valuable contribution to environmental protection, but it cannot solve the problem on its own. Reducing consumption tackles the root cause of environmental degradation, and combining both strategies is the most effective way to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both the importance of recycling and the argument for reducing consumption, while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the mention of paper and aluminium for recycling, and reusable bags or repairing items for consumption reduction. The conclusion effectively synthesises the two viewpoints, reinforcing your stance that while both are necessary, reducing consumption is the more fundamental solution. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'environmental degradation', 'sustainable habits', and 'inadequate facilities' show a good command of topic-specific language. The word choices are natural and contribute to the formal tone required for an academic essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is varied enough to avoid repetition, effectively conveying your arguments with clarity and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms, which are used accurately. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. You have successfully integrated various sentence types to maintain interest and clarity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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