Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-17

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 7.0)

Model Answer (Band 7+ in Simple Vocabulary)

In recent years, environmental problems have become a major global issue. While recycling has become a common habit for many people around the world, some experts argue that it is not a complete solution. In my opinion, recycling is helpful, but reducing our overall consumption is far more important for protecting the planet.

On the one hand, recycling plays a useful role in managing waste. When we recycle materials like plastic, glass, and paper, we stop them from going directly into landfills or polluting oceans. Recycling also reduces the need to produce brand-new materials from scratch, which saves energy and natural resources. For example, using recycled paper means fewer trees need to be cut down. Because of these benefits, recycling is a great daily habit that helps protect nature.

On the other hand, recycling alone cannot solve the environmental crisis. The main problem with recycling is that it requires a lot of energy, water, and money to collect, clean, and process old items. In addition, many types of plastic cannot be recycled at all, or they can only be processed once or twice before being thrown away. Therefore, simply buying a lot of single-use products and relying on recycling afterwards is not a real solution.

Instead, the most effective step is to consume less. When people buy fewer unnecessary goods, factories produce less waste, burn less fuel, and release fewer harmful gases. Consuming less also stops pollution right at the source rather than just managing it at the end. For instance, using a reusable bottle instead of buying dozens of plastic water bottles completely removes the need for recycling in the first place.

In conclusion, although recycling is a good practice that reduces landfill waste, it is not enough on its own. To truly protect our environment, individuals and society must focus on buying and using fewer products every day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on recycling and consumption, and clearly states the writer's personal opinion in the introduction. The position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant examples, such as 'using recycled paper means fewer trees need to be cut down' and contrasting it with 'using a reusable bottle instead of buying dozens of plastic water bottles'. The arguments regarding the limitations of recycling and the benefits of reduced consumption are thoroughly explored and logically reasoned, fitting the Band 8 criteria for task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the benefits of recycling, the limitations of recycling, the advantages of consuming less, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and flexibly without being obtrusive, as seen in transition phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the overall structure is easy to follow, aligning closely with Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, successfully utilising less common items and subject-specific collocations such as 'environmental crisis', 'single-use products', 'natural resources', and 'at the source'. Word choice is generally natural, and while the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or rare (given this is a model answer in simpler language), it communicates ideas effectively and accurately. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors, which justifies a solid Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, showing good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex sentences include conditional or participial-like logic such as 'When we recycle materials like plastic, glass, and paper, we stop them from going directly into landfills...' and 'Because of these benefits, recycling is a great daily habit...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. This level of grammatical accuracy and structural range comfortably sits at Band 7.

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