Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-30

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)

Environmental problems are becoming increasingly serious, and recycling has become a common way of reducing waste. While some people believe that recycling is an effective solution, others argue that people should focus more on reducing their overall consumption. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe consuming less is more effective in the long term.

On the one hand, recycling can play an important role in protecting the environment. Materials such as paper, glass, plastic and metal can be collected and processed to make new products. This reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and can also decrease the need for raw materials. For example, recycling paper means that fewer trees need to be cut down to produce new paper. Furthermore, recycling programs can encourage people to develop more environmentally responsible habits.

On the other hand, recycling alone cannot solve the problem of excessive consumption. Many products require large amounts of energy, water and raw materials before they even become waste. Therefore, if people continue buying unnecessary products, recycling only deals with the waste at the end of the process. For instance, someone who frequently buys new clothes may recycle old clothes, but producing the new clothes still requires resources and energy. Reducing unnecessary purchases would prevent this environmental impact in the first place.

In my opinion, both recycling and reducing consumption are necessary, but consuming less should receive greater attention. People can make a significant difference by buying only what they need, choosing durable products and repairing items instead of immediately replacing them. For example, using the same mobile phone or piece of furniture for several additional years can reduce the demand for new products and the resources needed to manufacture them.

In conclusion, recycling is a useful method of managing waste, but it does not address the problem of excessive consumption. I believe that reducing unnecessary consumption, together with effective recycling, is a more sustainable approach to protecting the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both the view that recycling is sufficient and the counterview that we need to consume less. A clear position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning paper production and electronic devices like mobile phones. The reasoning flows logically from the arguments presented, satisfying all requirements of the task response criteria at a high level. Therefore, a band score of 7.5 is well-deserved for this comprehensive and well-developed response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by body paragraphs with distinct signposting such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without feeling mechanical. Referencing is clear, and the transition between discussing recycling and reducing consumption is seamless. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, contributing to an overall smooth reading experience that aligns strongly with the descriptors for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally natural range of vocabulary suitable for an academic discussion on environmental issues. Phrases like 'environmentally responsible habits', 'excessive consumption', and 'sustainable approach' demonstrate a good awareness of style and collocation. There are occasional attempts at less common lexical items which are handled competently, though the range is somewhat standard rather than truly wide or sophisticated. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, with no errors that impede communication. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The student employs conditional and participial constructions effectively, such as 'if people continue buying unnecessary products, recycling only deals with the waste' and 'using the same mobile phone or piece of furniture for several additional years can reduce the demand'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. Control of grammar is strong, though it stops short of the complete flexibility required for a Band 8. Consequently, a band score of 7.0 is awarded.

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