Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Products made from plastic such as bags, bottles and packaging are bad for the environment. Drainage blockage and overflooding are major damages caused by plastic products in the environment. However, it can be counteracted by authorities and individuals if some preventive measures such as recycling policy can be put in place.

First and foremost, one of the major negative effects of plastic material is drainage blockage which occurs when it is been littered around in the environment. As a result of this, it piles up in strategic areas most especially during raining season, leading to obstruction and blockage of water-flow. In addition, it could lead to overflooding due to the denied water inflow in designated locations. For instance, recent environmental statistics indicates that most environmental flood are caused by blockage in canals and roadside gutters as a result littered plastic products.

However, the introduction of certain polices by the government such as recycling and proper enforcement on individuals can solve this disastrous problem. When the authorities create proper public awareness on the importance of recycling waste plastic products in the appropriate way as well as providing materials such as public waste bin at every strategic locations in the city, the people develop sense of responsibility by abiding. Through the government efforts, the citizens also contribute to solving the problem by improvising possible recycling method to achieve a clean and safer environment. Result shows that places where waste products are properly recycled tend to be free from environmental disasters.

In conclusion, plastic products poses threats to the environment through disasters which can be controlled when preventive measures are adequately put in place by the people in power as well as with the cooperation of the masses.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses both parts of the prompt: the environmental damage caused by plastic and the solutions involving governments and individuals. The ideas are relevant, though the development is somewhat limited. For instance, the discussion on drainage blockage is clear, but the solutions could be more specific; while you mention recycling and public bins, expanding on how governments can enforce policies (e.g., plastic taxes or bans) would have strengthened the response. The position is clear throughout, and the conclusion effectively summarises the main points. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is fully extended with more detailed examples or logical consequences.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the problem from the solutions. Cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'In addition', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as in the phrase 'it can be counteracted', where the pronoun 'it' does not clearly refer back to a specific noun. Overall, the progression of ideas is easy to follow, and the structure supports the development of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'counteracted', 'strategic areas', 'obstruction', and 'disastrous'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'environmental flood are caused' (should be 'floods') and 'improvising possible recycling method' (should be 'implementing'). While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the precision is occasionally lacking. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring subject-verb agreement with the vocabulary you choose. The range is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly without significant difficulty for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'it is been littered' (should be 'it is littered'), 'most environmental flood are' (should be 'floods are'), and 'plastic products poses' (should be 'pose'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article errors throughout. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you should aim for more error-free sentences and pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice constructions.

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