Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-22

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 7.0)

It is an undeniable fact that the waste from homes should be recycled and if it is not there are laws that should be put in place. While I agree that legal measure can play a paramount role in increasing recycling rates, I believe that public awarness and recycling faciliteis are equally necessary to achieve long term results.

To begin with, the low level of household recycling is a serious environmental concern. Many people throw recyclable materials such as plastic, paper and glass into general waste because they are either unaware of the consequences or they find recycling inconvenient. As a result, large quantities of waste end up in landfills, which can contribute to soil and water pollution. Moreover, some households do not recycle because there are insufficient recycling bins in their neighbourhood. Therefore, government should not only encourgae people to recycle but also make the process simple and accessible.

However, we seldom give a thought to ponder over the other side of the story. Laws can be highly effective in increasing the amount of waste that is recycled. Government could require households to separate recyclable materials and impose reasonable fines on those who fail to follow the rules. Moreover, positive incentives, such as discounts or rewards for recycling could encourage people to willingly recycle. However, legislation alone is unlikely to solve the problem unless it is supported by the people.

Showing deep reverence for all aspects and observing the finer nuance of the matter mentioned above, I believe that laws are necessary to increase household recycling, because they will make the people more responsible. Nevertheless, the most effective approach would be to combine legal requirements with public awarness and recycling facilities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position that while legislation is necessary, it must be supported by infrastructure and public awareness. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. For example, you discuss the environmental impact of waste and the role of government incentives. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting arguments are slightly more detailed; for instance, when mentioning 'positive incentives', you could briefly explain how these might work in practice to further strengthen your argument. Overall, the response is well-balanced and directly answers the question posed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'However', to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the need for laws and the need for infrastructure is clearly articulated. The use of referencing is generally accurate, contributing to the overall flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'paramount role', 'environmental concern', and 'positive incentives' are used appropriately. There are a few minor spelling errors, such as 'awarness' (awareness), 'faciliteis' (facilities), and 'encourgae' (encourage). While these do not impede communication, they prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on proofreading for these small slips and try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. You demonstrate good control over grammar, with most sentences being error-free. There are occasional minor errors, such as 'legal measure' (should be plural 'measures') and 'government should' (should be 'the government should'). These errors are non-systematic and do not cause confusion. To achieve a higher band, aim for more variety in complex structures, such as using more conditional clauses or passive voice constructions to enhance the academic tone of your writing.

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