Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Plastic bags, plastic bottles and plastic packaging are bad for the environment.

What damage does plastic do to the environment?

What can be done by governments and individuals to solve this problem?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Plastic waste has become one of the most serious environmental problems in the world. Items such as plastic bags, bottles, and packaging are used every day, but many of them are discarded after a single use. This essay will discuss the damage caused by plastic pollution and suggest measures that governments and individuals can take to address this issue.

Plastic causes significant harm to the environment because it takes hundreds of years to decompose. As a result, large amounts of plastic accumulate in landfills, rivers, and oceans. Marine animals often mistake plastic for food, which can lead to injury or death. In addition, burning plastic releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and posing risks to human health. Plastic waste also blocks drainage systems, increasing the likelihood of flooding in urban areas.

Governments can play an important role in reducing plastic pollution by introducing stricter laws and promoting sustainable alternatives. For example, they can ban single-use plastic bags, impose taxes on plastic products, and encourage companies to use biodegradable or recyclable packaging. Governments should also invest in recycling facilities and organise public awareness campaigns to educate people about responsible waste disposal.

Individuals also have a responsibility to protect the environment. People can reduce their use of plastic by carrying reusable shopping bags, using refillable water bottles, and avoiding products with excessive plastic packaging. In addition, they should separate recyclable waste from general rubbish and participate in community clean-up activities. These simple actions, when adopted by many people, can make a significant difference.

In conclusion, plastic pollution causes serious damage to wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. Although governments must introduce effective policies and improve recycling systems, individuals should also reduce their plastic consumption and adopt environmentally friendly habits. Working together is the most effective way to solve this growing problem.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the environmental damage caused by plastic, such as the impact on marine life, air pollution from incineration, and urban flooding. Furthermore, you provide distinct, actionable solutions for both governments and individuals. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of 'recycling facilities' and 'reusable shopping bags'. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the structure follows a logical progression that satisfies the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'For example', and 'As a result', which help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different aspects of the prompt. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, such as 'decompose', 'biodegradable', 'sustainable alternatives', and 'excessive'. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it could be elevated further to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic phrases. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication, and the language used is consistently appropriate for the context of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, for example, 'Although governments must introduce effective policies... individuals should also reduce their plastic consumption'. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few, if any, errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the sentence construction is varied enough to maintain interest. The control over grammatical structures is strong, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, which is indicative of a high level of proficiency.

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