Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-08

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)

Some individuals believe that not enough domestic waste is recycled. The government should make policies and laws to increase recycling. I mostly agree with this statement. My stance will be explained in the upcoming paragraphs with appropriate reasons and examples.

Firstly, importance is not given to recycling because the masses are still unaware of its methods and advantages. Some people feel that recycling is a long process and that it cannot be done by everyone. For example, an individual may be willing to recycle a plastic bottle, but he may not know the appropriate way to do it. Therefore, instead of recycling the plastic bottle, he throws it in a plastic dump. Another reason for the low level of recycling is that people are not aware of its inherent advantages.

This problem can be solved if the government makes strict rules and regulations regarding waste management. For instance, the government can introduce laws that require households to separate recyclable waste, such as plastic, glass and paper, from general waste. In addition, authorities can organise awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of recycling and demonstrate simple methods of doing it. Fines could also be imposed on individuals or businesses that repeatedly fail to follow recycling regulations. As a result, people would become more responsible and the amount of domestic waste being recycled would increase.

In conclusion, a lack of awareness and knowledge is one of the major reasons why domestic waste is not recycled adequately. Although individuals have a responsibility to recycle, I believe that governments should introduce effective laws, provide proper guidance and raise public awareness to encourage better recycling habits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

Your position is clear from the introduction (“I mostly agree”) and remains consistent in the conclusion. You address the role of laws and support your view with relevant measures, including separating recyclable materials, awareness campaigns and fines. The example of someone unsure how to recycle a plastic bottle also helps explain why recycling may be low. This fits a response that addresses the task and extends its ideas. To develop the argument further, explain more directly why legal requirements are necessary rather than relying on education or voluntary action alone. For instance, you could show how enforcement changes behaviour or give a specific example of a policy’s impact. Some claims, such as people viewing recycling as a long process, would also benefit from fuller explanation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response has a clear four-paragraph structure, moving from your position to reasons, proposed government action and a conclusion. The progression within the main body is generally logical: you identify limited knowledge, then describe measures that could address it. Linking expressions such as “Firstly,” “For example,” “In addition” and “As a result” help readers follow the argument. The conclusion also returns to the central issue without introducing an unrelated point. To make the organisation more flexible, avoid relying so heavily on explicit signposting and connect some ideas through clearer reference or explanation. The opening sentence of the second body paragraph, “This problem can be solved,” could specify which aspects of the problem the laws address, since awareness campaigns and legal penalties work in different ways.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use a suitable range of topic vocabulary, including “domestic waste,” “recyclable waste,” “waste management,” “regulations” and “awareness campaigns.” These choices communicate the subject clearly, and phrases such as “imposed on individuals or businesses” show some control of more formal language. However, a few expressions are less natural or precise, including “importance is not given to recycling,” “plastic dump” and “inherent advantages.” “The masses” also sounds overly broad and formal for this context. This range is adequate and includes attempts at less common vocabulary, but more accurate collocations and a little greater flexibility would strengthen it. Prefer direct, natural phrasing and choose terms that precisely describe the waste or the benefit being discussed.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, and many sentences are accurate. For example, “Although individuals have a responsibility to recycle, I believe that governments should introduce effective laws…” uses subordination effectively, while the sentence beginning “For instance” clearly presents a detailed example. Conditional and relative structures are also handled well in “if the government makes strict rules” and “individuals or businesses that repeatedly fail.” Grammar and punctuation are generally controlled, with no persistent errors that obscure meaning. To improve further, vary the structures used to explain cause and effect rather than relying mainly on straightforward statements. You could also check sentence phrasing for precision, especially where several actions are grouped together, so that each clause clearly expresses its relationship to the main point.

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