Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-05

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 6.5)

Our environment is being polluted at an alarming rate, and the main reason behind that is plastic. This essay will not only explain how plastic damages the earth but also provide various ways to protect it and why it is important to stop using it wherever possible.

To begin with, plastic contains toxic chemicals, which are harmful to oceans, soil, and the atmosphere. All the plastic, such as bottles and packing material, ends up in the oceans. Due to that, the lives of aquatic animals are in danger. Some species are endangered. If it mixes with the soil, it pollutes water and crops. This is one of the main causes of the rapid increase in diseases like cancer.

Moving forward, the government needs to fully ban plastic and find alternatives. The production of plastic water bottles and bags needs to be stopped. It should only be used for essential items. For example, in the healthcare field, plastic gloves are used at a high rate, which is necessary. Until a better alternative is available, we have to use them. However, plastic grocery bags and bottles can be replaced. Thus, people need to be aware that toxic chemicals are dangerous to the environment and need to stop using plastic wherever possible.

At the end, saving our planet is crucial, and this is only possible if everyone is aware of the harmful effects of plastic. All the steps should be taken by the government and citizens to remove it because it is harmful to all living beings, including animals and birds.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, identifying environmental damage and suggesting solutions for both governments and individuals. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the discussion on environmental damage is brief and relies on general statements rather than detailed explanations or specific examples. Similarly, the solutions provided are somewhat superficial. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your points with more depth and specific evidence. For example, instead of just mentioning 'toxic chemicals,' you could explain the process of microplastic accumulation in the food chain or the specific legislative actions governments could take, such as implementing plastic taxes or circular economy policies.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'To begin with,' 'Moving forward,' and 'At the end' are used to transition between paragraphs, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be improved. Some sentences feel slightly disconnected, and the flow could be smoother with a wider variety of linking words and better referencing (e.g., using pronouns or synonyms to avoid repeating 'plastic' so frequently).

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. You use basic terms like 'bad,' 'harmful,' and 'stopped' repeatedly. While the meaning is clear, the lexical range is limited. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to the environment, such as 'non-biodegradable,' 'ecosystem,' 'sustainable alternatives,' or 'mitigate.' There are no significant spelling errors, but the lack of variety in word choice prevents the essay from demonstrating a more advanced command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate and communication is not impeded, the range of structures is somewhat limited. Most sentences follow a straightforward subject-verb-object pattern. There are occasional minor errors, such as 'at a high rate' (which is slightly unnatural; 'on a large scale' would be better) and 'At the end' (which should be 'In conclusion'). To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate more varied complex structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, with greater consistency.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.