Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people claim that not enough of the waste from homes is recycled. They say that the only way to increase recycling is for governments to make it a legal requirement.

To what extent do you think laws are needed to make people recycle more of their waste?

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

Student answer (Band 7.5)

### Recycling and Government Laws

In many countries, a significant amount of household waste is not recycled, which causes serious environmental problems. Some people believe that the only effective way to increase recycling is to introduce laws that require people to recycle their waste. I partly agree with this view because government regulations can be highly effective, but education and financial incentives are also important.

On the one hand, making recycling a legal requirement can significantly increase the amount of waste that is recycled. Many people do not recycle simply because it is inconvenient or they are not sufficiently concerned about environmental issues. If governments introduce compulsory recycling schemes, households could be required to separate materials such as plastic, glass, paper and food waste. Fines could also be imposed on people who repeatedly ignore these rules. For example, in some European countries, residents are required to separate different types of household waste, and this has contributed to relatively high recycling rates. Therefore, legislation can change people's behaviour on a large scale.

On the other hand, laws alone may not be sufficient. People are more likely to recycle when they understand why it is important and when recycling facilities are easily accessible. Governments should therefore invest in public education campaigns and provide separate recycling bins in residential areas. Financial incentives can also encourage people to participate. For instance, some communities offer refunds for returning plastic bottles and cans, which motivates residents to recycle while also reducing litter. These approaches can encourage voluntary participation rather than relying entirely on punishment.

In my opinion, government laws are necessary to some extent, particularly in countries where voluntary recycling has failed to produce satisfactory results. However, legislation should be combined with education, convenient recycling facilities and appropriate incentives. A combination of these measures is more likely to create long-term changes in people's behaviour than compulsory laws alone.

In conclusion, laws can play an important role in increasing household recycling, but they are not the only solution. Governments should use legislation together with education and incentives to encourage people to recycle more effectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with specific examples provided for both sides of the debate—legal requirements versus education and incentives. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the points made. The response is balanced and demonstrates a clear understanding of the complexity of the issue, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the flow of information is natural. The paragraphing is skillful, ensuring that each aspect of the argument is given sufficient space to be developed without repetition or confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'compulsory recycling schemes', 'financial incentives', and 'long-term changes' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, it occasionally leans towards standard rather than sophisticated or idiomatic language. However, the control is consistent, and there are no errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that hinder the reader's understanding. The use of modal verbs like 'could' and 'should' is handled correctly to express possibility and recommendation, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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