Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Plastic waste, including shopping bags, bottles and packaging, has become a major environmental concern across the world. The widespread use of plastic products has led to serious environmental problems, and both governments and individuals have an important role to play in reducing their harmful effects.

One of the most significant problems caused by plastic is environmental pollution. Since plastic is non-biodegradable, it can remain in the environment for hundreds of years before decomposing. As a result, large amounts of plastic waste accumulate in landfills, rivers and oceans, damaging natural ecosystems. Marine animals often mistake plastic bags and bottles for food, while others become trapped in plastic waste, leading to severe injuries or even death. Furthermore, plastic gradually breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which contaminate water sources and enter the food chain. Consequently, plastic pollution not only threatens wildlife but may also pose long-term health risks to humans.

To address this issue, governments should implement stricter laws to reduce the production and consumption of single-use plastics. For example, imposing taxes on plastic bags, banning unnecessary plastic packaging and encouraging manufacturers to use biodegradable alternatives can significantly reduce plastic waste. Governments should also invest in efficient recycling systems and organise public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the importance of protecting the environment. At the same time, individuals must also act responsibly. People can carry reusable shopping bags, use refillable water bottles instead of disposable ones and separate recyclable waste from household rubbish. In addition, consumers should support companies that adopt environmentally friendly packaging, as this will encourage more businesses to follow sustainable practices.

In conclusion, plastic pollution has devastating effects on the environment, wildlife and potentially human health. However, these problems can be greatly reduced if governments introduce effective environmental policies and individuals make conscious efforts to minimise their use of plastic products. A combination of strong legislation and responsible public behaviour is essential for creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the environmental damage caused by plastic, such as the accumulation in ecosystems and the threat to marine life, and provided a balanced set of solutions for both governments and individuals. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of microplastics and specific policy suggestions like taxes on plastic bags. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the problem and the solutions is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'consequently', 'furthermore', and 'at the same time', which help to connect sentences and paragraphs naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is consistent, making the essay easy to follow and coherent throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Terms such as 'non-biodegradable', 'ecosystems', 'microplastics', and 'sustainable practices' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and contributes to the formal tone of the essay. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate to convey your ideas clearly and with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('if governments introduce...') and participial phrases ('leading to severe injuries'). Punctuation is used correctly, and there are virtually no grammatical errors throughout the text. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the complexity of the structures used demonstrates a strong command of English grammar. The writing is fluent and professional.

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