Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-18

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 6.5)

It is often argued that people do not recycle enough household waste and that governments should make recycling compulsory by law. I largely agree that legislation is necessary, although I believe that education and convenient recycling facilities are also important.

One major reason why laws can increase recycling rates is that many people do not recycle unless there is a clear obligation to do so. Governments can introduce rules requiring households to separate recyclable materials such as paper, glass and plastic. They can also impose fines on people who repeatedly ignore these requirements. Such measures can make recycling a normal part of everyday life and significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. For example, in countries where waste separation is strictly regulated, residents are generally more accustomed to sorting their rubbish.

However, laws alone are unlikely to solve the problem. Governments should make recycling easy and convenient by providing separate bins and regular collection services. In addition, public education campaigns can explain why recycling is important and teach people how to sort their waste correctly. Financial incentives, such as discounts or refunds for returning bottles, could also encourage people to recycle voluntarily.

I believe that laws are an effective way to increase recycling because they encourage people to change their behaviour. Nevertheless, legislation should be combined with convenient facilities, education and incentives to achieve the best results.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, presenting a clear position that legislation is necessary but insufficient on its own. However, the essay is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement (229 words), which limits the depth of development. While the ideas are relevant, they are somewhat brief. To achieve a higher band, you should expand on your examples—for instance, by discussing a specific country's recycling policy in more detail or elaborating on the long-term societal impact of education versus legislation. The under-length nature of the response prevents a higher score for task achievement as the development of ideas is curtailed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'However,' 'In addition,' and 'Nevertheless,' to link your arguments. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. To improve further, ensure that the transition between the necessity of laws and the need for supplementary measures is even more seamless to enhance the flow of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as 'compulsory,' 'legislation,' 'obligations,' and 'financial incentives.' The word choice is generally accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly, it lacks the more sophisticated, less common lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or academic phrases related to environmental policy and civic responsibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures and modal verbs effectively (e.g., 'Governments should make,' 'if there is a clear obligation'). The punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The sentences are generally error-free, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response. To reach the highest bands, ensure you vary your sentence length and complexity even more to demonstrate full flexibility in your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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