Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-22

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 7.5)

It is a tragic paradox that while modern agricultural technology allows us to produce more food than ever before, millions of people worldwide still suffer from starvation. This issue is no longer about our inability to grow enough crops; rather, it is rooted in deep economic inequalities and severe logistical failures. However, by shifting our focus toward improving local infrastructure and empowering small-scale farmers, this crisis can be significantly reduced.

The primary reason hunger persists today is a lack of access, driven by poverty and poor infrastructure. On a global scale, the world produces more than enough calories to feed everyone. The problem is that food is a commodity, and marginalized communities simply do not have the financial means to purchase it. Furthermore, even when food is grown locally in developing nations, a staggering amount of it goes to waste. Without reliable transport networks, proper grain silos, or refrigerated storage, crops often rot before they can ever reach the market. For instance, in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, post-harvest losses are devastatingly high simply because farmers cannot safely store their yields or transport them to urban centers before they spoil.

Tackling this complex issue requires investing in long-term solutions rather than short-term food aid. Primarily, governments must prioritize local infrastructure; building reliable roads and accessible cold-storage facilities for rural communities would drastically reduce food waste. Additionally, the agricultural advancements enjoyed by wealthy nations must be shared. By providing micro-loans for resilient seeds and modern irrigation, we can empower local farmers to sustainably grow their own food, making them far less vulnerable to extreme weather and global market fluctuations.

Secondly, the agricultural advancements enjoyed by wealthy nations need to be made accessible to the world's poorest farmers. Rather than just sending imported food, developed countries could provide micro-loans or subsidies that allow local farmers to purchase drought-resistant seeds, modern irrigation systems, and better fertilizers. When local communities are given the tools to sustainably grow and protect their own food supply, they become far less vulnerable to global market fluctuations and extreme weather.

In conclusion, world hunger in the 21st century is largely a failure of economics and logistics, not agriculture. If global efforts are redirected toward building robust local infrastructure and genuinely supporting small farmers, we can finally ensure that the incredible advances in farming reach the people who need them the most.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt: the reasons for persistent hunger and potential solutions. The position is clear from the introduction and maintained throughout. Ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between agricultural production and logistical/economic barriers. The use of specific examples, such as post-harvest losses in Sub-Saharan Africa, adds depth to the argument. The response is well-structured, and the solutions provided are practical and directly linked to the identified causes. The essay demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment, covering all requirements with relevant and extended ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the problem (logistics/economics) and the solution (infrastructure/empowerment) is smooth. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'Furthermore,' 'For instance,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. While the repetition of the point about agricultural advancements in the third and fourth paragraphs is slightly redundant, it does not significantly detract from the overall flow or the clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the academic context. The student uses a range of sophisticated terms such as 'tragic paradox,' 'marginalized communities,' 'logistical failures,' and 'market fluctuations.' The collocation is generally natural, and the student demonstrates an ability to use less common lexical items with good control. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. The range is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and with a degree of stylistic awareness appropriate for an IELTS Task 2 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are very few, if any, grammatical slips. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures contributes to the overall fluency of the writing. The grammar is consistently accurate, allowing the reader to follow the arguments without any difficulty or distraction from technical errors.

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