Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-02
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)
Despite significant progress in agricultural technology, hunger remains a widespread problem in many parts of the world. This essay will examine the main reasons behind this issue and suggest some possible solutions.
There are several reasons why food scarcity persists despite agricultural advances. Firstly, unequal distribution is a major factor; while some regions produce a surplus of food, others — particularly in conflict zones or areas with poor infrastructure — struggle to access it due to inadequate transport and storage systems. Secondly, poverty plays a critical role, as many people simply cannot afford sufficient nutritious food even when it is available in local markets. Thirdly, climate change and natural disasters, such as prolonged droughts and floods, continue to devastate crops in vulnerable regions, particularly across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, undermining local food security regardless of technological progress elsewhere.
Several measures could help address this persistent problem. To begin with, governments and international organisations should invest in improving infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, to ensure surplus food reaches those in need more efficiently. Additionally, providing financial support and subsidies to low-income families would enable them to afford basic nutrition. Finally, promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming techniques — for example, drought-resistant crop varieties — could help farmers in vulnerable regions maintain stable yields despite adverse weather conditions.
Summary:
In conclusion, while advances in agriculture have increased global food production, issues such as unequal distribution, poverty, and climate change continue to cause hunger. Addressing these root causes through better infrastructure, financial support, and sustainable farming practices is essential to tackling this problem effectively.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
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 ideas are well-developed and logically structured. For instance, the discussion on unequal distribution, poverty, and climate change provides a clear, multifaceted explanation for the problem. The solutions offered—infrastructure investment, financial subsidies, and climate-resilient farming—directly correspond to the identified causes. The position is clear throughout, and the essay maintains a consistent focus on the topic. The response is well-balanced, ensuring that both the 'why' and the 'what can be done' are given sufficient attention, meeting the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes and solutions is seamless. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'To begin with', and 'Finally' is effective and natural, helping the reader navigate the argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow of ideas is smooth, which is characteristic of a well-organized piece of writing. The structure is logical and supports the overall argument effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. The student uses a range of topic-specific terminology such as 'food scarcity', 'surplus', 'infrastructure', 'subsidies', and 'climate-resilient'. The word choices are accurate and contribute to the clarity of the argument. While the vocabulary is functional and effective, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band; however, the current range is sufficient to express complex ideas with precision. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fits the formal tone of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. The student uses a mix of complex sentence forms, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('while some regions produce a surplus of food, others... struggle to access it') and conditional structures. The punctuation is accurate, and the sentences are generally error-free. The majority of the writing is grammatically sound, with only very occasional minor slips, if any. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall accuracy is high, which allows the reader to follow the arguments without any confusion or hesitation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.