Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some individuals argue that an insufficient proportion of household waste is recycled, and they believe that the most effective way to boost recycling rates is for authorities to enforce it through legislation. I strongly believe that Laws are important to make people recycle, as they ensure compliance and responsibility. However, they must be supported by awareness and proper facilities to be truly effective.

Firstly, legislation can significantly influence people’s behaviour by making recycling a compulsory practice rather than a voluntary choice. When governments impose fines or penalties for not separating waste, individuals are more likely to comply due to fear of consequences. For example, in countries like Germany, strict recycling regulations have resulted in high recycling rates, as citizens are required to sort their waste into different categories. Such legal frameworks ensure consistency and accountability among the public.

However, relying solely on laws may not be entirely effective if people lack awareness or access to proper recycling systems. In many developing regions, individuals are willing to recycle but are unable to do so due to the absence of recycling bins or collection services. For instance, if households are not provided with separate waste containers, enforcing laws alone would create frustration rather than compliance. Therefore, governments must also invest in infrastructure and educational campaigns to promote responsible waste management.

In my opinion, laws are essential as they establish a foundation for disciplined behaviour, but they should be complemented by public awareness and convenient facilities. This balanced approach not only encourages participation but also ensures long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, although legal enforcement is a powerful tool to enhance recycling rates, it cannot work effectively in isolation. A combination of strict regulations, public education, and adequate infrastructure is necessary to achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in recycling habits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The argument is well-developed, balancing the necessity of legal enforcement with the practical requirement for infrastructure and education. You provided relevant examples, such as the German recycling model and the challenges faced in developing regions, which effectively support your claims. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary that aligns with your initial stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' question by arguing for a balanced approach.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of legislation and the necessity of supporting infrastructure is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'For instance', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The relationship between sentences is clear, and the overall structure is coherent, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'enforce it through legislation', 'compulsory practice', 'legal frameworks', and 'long-term sustainability' show a solid command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'boost recycling rates', you could use 'augment recycling efficiency'. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if households are not provided...') and relative clauses. The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow. There is a minor capitalization error in the introduction ('Laws' should be lowercase), but this is a rare slip and does not impede communication. Your control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall grammatical accuracy is high, supporting the clear expression of your arguments.

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