Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-30

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 claimed that household waste recycling has gained significant attention in many countries. While some people argue that the government should make recycling a legal requirement, I believe that laws are not sufficient on their own and should be complemented by other measures.

Firstly, introducing laws to enforce recycling can be effective. Many individuals do not tend to recycle due to convenience or lack of motivation. By making it a legal obligation, governments can ensure that citizens take responsibility for their waste. For example, fines and penalties can discourage people from throwing recyclables into general waste bins. As a result, this approach can lead to a rapid increase in recycling rates, as people are more likely to comply with rules when there are consequences for not following them.

However, relying solely on laws to promote recycling does not achieve long-term success and overlooks the importance of education and public engagement. In some cases, strict regulations could lead to illegal dumping instead of proper recycling. Therefore, it is essential for governments to invest in public education and infrastructure. Providing clear instructions, separate bins, and regular collection services can make recycling more convenient and effective. In addition, offering incentives can also encourage people to recycle more. Reward systems, such as discounts or financial benefits for households that recycle regularly, combined with education campaigns, these strategies can help develop long-term environmentally friendly habits among the public.

In conclusion, although making recycling mandatory through laws can significantly increase participation, it is not the only solution. A combination of legal enforcement, public awareness, and practical support is the most effective way to promote sustainable waste management.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task. You take a clear position throughout the essay, stating in the introduction that laws are not sufficient on their own and should be complemented by other measures. Your ideas are well developed and extended; for instance, you explore the benefits of legislation such as fines and penalties, while also balancing this with the limitations of relying solely on rules, noting that it could lead to illegal dumping. You further support your argument by suggesting practical alternatives such as education, infrastructure, and financial incentives. The content is directly relevant to the prompt, maintaining a focused and coherent exploration of whether laws are needed to increase household recycling.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments for laws, the counter-arguments and alternatives, and finally a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'Therefore', and 'In addition', which guide the reader effectively through your arguments. Paragraphing is used logically and sufficiently. Referencing is generally clear, though minor improvements in linking complex clauses could elevate the flow further. Overall, the structural progression of ideas is very clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, making appropriate use of topic-specific terms such as 'sustainable waste management', 'legal obligation', 'recyclables', and 'infrastructure'. You also attempt less common vocabulary items with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'complementary measures', 'public engagement', and 'environmentally friendly habits'. While the language is generally natural and communicates your ideas clearly, there are occasional slightly standard collocations or repetitive phrasing, such as 'general waste bins'. However, the vocabulary is more than adequate for the task and supports effective communication throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You display a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms, showcasing flexible control of grammar. Sentences such as 'By making it a legal obligation, governments can ensure that citizens take responsibility for their waste' and 'Reward systems, such as discounts or financial benefits for households that recycle regularly, combined with education campaigns, these strategies can help develop long-term environmentally friendly habits' demonstrate an ability to handle subordinate clauses and participial phrases. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well. While there is a minor structural slip in the long conditional sentence near the end of the third paragraph, your overall grammatical accuracy is strong.

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