Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-30

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 advances in agricultural technology and food production, millions of people around the world continue to suffer from hunger. This situation is mainly caused by poverty, conflict, unequal food distribution, and food waste. However, governments and international organisations can take several measures to address these problems.

One major reason for persistent hunger is poverty. Although the world produces enough food to feed its population, many people cannot afford to buy sufficient nutritious food. In developing countries, particularly in rural areas, people may also lack access to land, irrigation, machinery, and modern farming techniques. As a result, they are unable to produce enough food for themselves or earn enough money to purchase it. Another important factor is war and political instability. Conflicts can destroy farms, roads, food supplies, and markets, forcing people to leave their homes and making it extremely difficult to maintain agricultural production. In addition, a considerable amount of food is wasted during production, transportation, and consumption, while millions of people remain undernourished.

Several steps can be taken to tackle this issue. First, governments should invest in rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, roads, storage facilities, and agricultural education. Providing small farmers with affordable loans, improved seeds, and modern equipment could significantly increase food production and their incomes. Second, governments and international organisations should work to reduce poverty by creating employment opportunities and improving access to education and healthcare. In regions affected by conflict, humanitarian organisations should ensure that food reaches vulnerable populations while longer-term efforts are made to restore peace and agricultural activity. Finally, reducing food waste is essential. Supermarkets, restaurants, and households can improve food storage and donate surplus food rather than throwing it away.

For example, improvements in irrigation and farming technology in many parts of South Asia have enabled farmers to increase crop yields substantially. Similar investments, combined with better food distribution and poverty-reduction programmes, could help other developing regions become more food secure.

In conclusion, hunger persists not because the world lacks the ability to produce food, but because poverty, conflict, unequal access, and waste prevent many people from obtaining it. Greater investment in agriculture, poverty reduction, peace-building, and food-waste prevention would help address this global problem.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The causes of hunger, such as poverty, conflict, unequal distribution, and waste, are clearly stated and elaborated upon in the second paragraph. Similarly, practical solutions including investing in rural infrastructure, reducing poverty, ensuring humanitarian aid in conflict zones, and curbing food waste are thoroughly discussed in the third paragraph. Ideas are well-developed, extended, and supported with a relevant example from South Asia in the fourth paragraph. A clear position is maintained throughout the entire essay, culminating in a strong summary conclusion. The criteria for Band 8 are fully met as all parts are covered well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a very clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are logically sequenced across well-defined paragraphs, with each paragraph having a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'Another important factor', and 'In conclusion' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating causes, solutions, examples, and the conclusion cleanly. Referencing is clear and seamless, ensuring that relationships between ideas are easily followed. The response comfortably meets the requirements for a Band 8 in this category.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range that is well-suited to the academic topic. Less common and precise vocabulary items are used effectively, such as 'persistent hunger', 'political instability', 'vulnerable populations', 'infrastructure', and 'food secure'. Word choice and collocations are generally very natural and accurate, with only rare minor inappropriacies. Spelling and word formation are entirely correct throughout. The language used allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively, warranting a solid Band 7.5 or Band 8 score; here, a strong Band 7.5 is reflected as 7.5, or rounded appropriately to 8.0 based on the skilled integration of topic-specific terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response showcases a wide range of structures, successfully combining complex sentences (e.g., 'Although the world produces enough food to feed its population, many people cannot afford to buy sufficient nutritious food') with clear simple forms. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. There are no noticeable slips or awkward phrasings that impede communication. Dependent clauses, modal verbs, and gerund phrases are handled with high accuracy. This level of grammatical control and variety easily satisfies the descriptors for Band 8.

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