Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-12

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 8.0)

Plastic products such as bags, bottles, and packaging have become a major environmental problem around the world. Although plastic is convenient and inexpensive, its widespread use causes serious damage to nature. Governments and individuals both have an important role to play in reducing this problem.

One of the main problems caused by plastic is pollution. Most plastic products take many years to decompose, so they remain in the environment for a very long time. Large amounts of plastic waste are thrown into rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they can harm marine animals. For example, turtles and other sea animals may eat plastic bags because they mistake them for food. Plastic waste can also damage natural habitats and make public places unattractive.

Governments can take several measures to address this issue. They could ban or restrict single-use plastic bags and introduce taxes on plastic products. They could also improve recycling systems and provide separate bins for different types of waste. In addition, governments should educate the public about the environmental effects of plastic and encourage people to use reusable products.

Individuals can also make a significant contribution. People should use reusable shopping bags and water bottles instead of buying disposable plastic products. They should also separate recyclable waste and avoid unnecessary packaging whenever possible. For instance, carrying a reusable bottle can prevent hundreds of single-use plastic bottles from being used over time.

In conclusion, plastic causes serious environmental damage because it remains in nature for a long time, pollutes water and land, and threatens wildlife. Governments should introduce stricter regulations and improve recycling facilities, while individuals should reduce their use of single-use plastic and choose environmentally friendly alternatives. Only through cooperation between governments and individuals can plastic pollution be reduced effectively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the environmental damage caused by plastic, specifically mentioning pollution, the longevity of plastic in the environment, and the threat to marine life. Furthermore, you provide distinct, actionable solutions for both governments (e.g., taxes, recycling systems, education) and individuals (e.g., reusable items, waste separation). The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the impact on turtles and the benefits of carrying a reusable bottle. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, moving from the problem to government solutions, then individual actions, and finally a summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'In addition', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion' effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth, making the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the overall argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Terms such as 'decompose', 'single-use', 'disposable', and 'environmentally friendly' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it leans towards standard, expected terminology for this topic. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations or idiomatic expressions related to environmental sustainability. However, the current range is sufficient for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like 'although' and 'because'. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. You maintain consistent control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement. The writing is clear and professional, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar suitable for this level of task.

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