Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-29

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 for the environment has become increasingly important in recent years, and recycling is widely regarded as an effective way to reduce waste. However, some people argue that recycling alone is insufficient and that individuals should also reduce their overall consumption. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe consuming less is ultimately more effective.

On the one hand, recycling can play an important role in protecting the environment. It allows materials such as paper, glass, plastic and metal to be processed and used again instead of being sent directly to landfill sites. As a result, recycling can reduce the amount of waste produced and conserve valuable natural resources. For example, recycling aluminium requires considerably less energy than producing new aluminium from raw materials. Furthermore, recycling programmes can encourage people to become more environmentally conscious and develop sustainable habits.

On the other hand, recycling does not address the problem at its source. Many products require large amounts of energy and resources to manufacture, transport and package, even if they can later be recycled. In addition, not all materials are recyclable, and some recyclable items are contaminated or incorrectly disposed of. Therefore, reducing consumption can prevent waste and pollution before they occur. For instance, choosing to buy fewer clothes, repair electronic devices instead of replacing them, or use reusable bags and bottles can reduce both resource consumption and household waste.

In my opinion, recycling and reducing consumption should be considered complementary rather than competing solutions. Nevertheless, consuming less should receive greater attention because the most effective way to deal with waste is to avoid producing it in the first place. Recycling remains valuable, but it should be part of a broader approach that includes buying durable products, reusing items and avoiding unnecessary purchases.

In conclusion, recycling helps conserve resources and reduce waste, while consuming less tackles environmental problems at an earlier stage. A combination of both approaches is necessary, but reducing unnecessary consumption is likely to have a more fundamental long-term impact.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The candidate has successfully addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both views (the benefits of recycling and the necessity of consuming less) and presenting a clear, well-developed personal position throughout the response. The introduction clearly outlines the scope of the essay, and the body paragraphs offer relevant, extended ideas with appropriate examples, such as the comparison of aluminium processing and the practical ways to reduce consumption like repairing electronic devices. The conclusion neatly ties these thoughts together. The position is maintained consistently and ideas are thoroughly supported, fulfilling all requirements for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked, starting with a well-structured introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs representing both sides, a nuanced synthesis in the writer's opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without being obtrusive, as seen with transition markers like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic, earning a solid Band 8 for cohesion and coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The candidate displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion on environmental concerns. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'conserve valuable natural resources', 'environmentally conscious', 'address the problem at its source', and 'complementary rather than competing solutions'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is entirely accurate. While the vocabulary is fluent and natural, it occasionally stops short of the fully sophisticated, idiomatic control required for a Band 8, placing it firmly at a strong Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participial phrases, such as 'allowing materials such as paper... to be processed' and 'Even if they can later be recycled.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control over tense, agreement, and punctuation is strong throughout. While minor slips or slightly formulaic phrasing might occasionally appear, they do not impede communication, reflecting the descriptors for a high Band 7 or low Band 8.

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