Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In spite of the advances made in agriculture, many people around the world still go hungry.

Why is this the case?

What can be done about this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Although agricultural technology has improved dramatically over the past century, hunger continues to affect millions of people worldwide. This paradox can largely be attributed to unequal food distribution, poverty and conflict. Addressing these underlying issues requires coordinated action from governments and the international community.

One of the principal reasons for persistent hunger is that food is not distributed fairly. Many countries produce more than enough food to feed their populations, yet large quantities are wasted because of inefficient supply chains, poor infrastructure or commercial practices. At the same time, people living in less developed regions often lack reliable access to affordable food. Furthermore, poverty prevents many families from purchasing even basic necessities, regardless of how much food is available in the market.

Another significant factor is war and political instability. Armed conflicts frequently disrupt farming activities, destroy infrastructure and force people to flee their homes. As a result, agricultural production declines while humanitarian aid struggles to reach affected populations. Climate change also worsens food insecurity by increasing the frequency of droughts, floods and other extreme weather events that damage crops.

Several measures can help alleviate this problem. Governments should invest in transport networks, storageacilities and modern farming techniques to reduce food waste and improve distribution. At the same time, international organisations should provide financial assistance and emergency food aid to countries experiencing conflict or natural disasters. Long-term solutions should also focus on reducing poverty through education, employment opportunities and economic development, enabling people to purchase sufficient food independently.

In conclusion, global hunger persists not because the world produces too little food, but because poverty, conflict and unequal distribution prevent many people from accessing it. By tackling these root causes through international cooperation and sustainable development, this long-standing problem can be significantly reduced.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the causes of hunger—unequal distribution, poverty, and conflict—and provided logical, actionable solutions such as infrastructure investment and international aid. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the impact of conflict on farming and the role of climate change. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The response is balanced, covering both the 'why' and the 'what can be done' sections with sufficient depth to meet the requirements of a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the causes and moving to the solutions. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore,' 'Another significant factor,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the problem and the solution is smooth. The use of referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'persistent hunger,' 'inefficient supply chains,' 'political instability,' and 'food insecurity' are used accurately and in the correct context. There is a clear attempt to use less common lexical items, and your word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is strong, it could be slightly more sophisticated in places to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'Although' clauses and conditional-like structures ('regardless of how much food is available'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. You show good control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence, which is consistent with a strong performance.

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