Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-18

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)

Concern about environmental problems has increased considerably in recent years, and recycling has become a common way of reducing waste. However, some people argue that recycling alone cannot solve environmental problems and that individuals should consume fewer products. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that reducing consumption is ultimately more effective, although recycling remains important.

On the one hand, recycling can provide significant environmental benefits. Many everyday products, such as paper, glass, plastic and metal, can be processed and used again instead of being sent to landfill. This reduces the amount of waste produced and can also save some of the natural resources and energy required to manufacture new products. For example, recycling paper can reduce the demand for new raw materials and help decrease the amount of waste entering landfill sites. Therefore, encouraging people to recycle can be an effective way of dealing with household waste.

On the other hand, recycling does not address the problem at its source. Most products require raw materials, energy and transportation before they reach consumers, and recycling usually takes place only after a product has already been purchased and used. If people continue buying unnecessary products, the environmental costs associated with production and transportation will remain high. For instance, purchasing fewer clothes, electronic devices and single-use items would reduce both waste and the resources needed to produce them. For this reason, I believe that consuming less should be given greater importance than recycling.

In conclusion, recycling is a useful method of reducing waste and conserving resources, but it cannot completely compensate for excessive consumption. In my view, people should continue to recycle while also making an effort to buy fewer unnecessary products. This combination would provide a more sustainable approach to protecting the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the view that recycling is beneficial and the view that we need to consume less, while providing a clear and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The introduction clearly outlines the scope of the essay, and the body paragraphs effectively extend and support ideas with relevant reasoning and examples, such as mentioning the manufacturing costs of everyday items and the role of single-use products. The conclusion successfully synthesises the main points. Ideas are fully developed without any significant omissions, making this a strong performance that aligns well with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear and logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the discussion of recycling, then to the alternative view of reducing consumption, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'For instance' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed skilfully and appropriately, ensuring the logical flow of ideas never becomes obtrusive or mechanical. The overall structure easily satisfies the requirements for Band 7 and exhibits qualities of Band 8.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion on the environment. Less common lexical items and collocations are integrated successfully, such as 'significant environmental benefits', 'raw materials', 'excessive consumption', and 'sustainable approach'. Word choices are generally precise and appropriate, with only occasional minor generalisations. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response. Although it does not consistently display the deep sophistication of a Band 8 lexical range, it comfortably exceeds Band 6 by demonstrating good control over a varied and topic-specific vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing strong control over grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses such as 'instead of being sent to landfill' and 'If people continue buying unnecessary products, the environmental costs... will remain high.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor slips do not impede communication in the slightest. Punctuation is used correctly to demarcate clauses and list items. This level of grammatical control and sentence variety warrants a solid Band 7 rating.

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