Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-19

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 bags, bottles and packaging are used by people every day because they are cheap and convenient. However, the large amount of plastic waste is causing serious problems for the environment. This essay will discuss the harmful effects of plastic and what governments and individuals can do to solve this problem.

One major problem with plastic is that it takes a very long time to break down. Therefore, plastic waste can stay in the environment for many years. A large amount of plastic is thrown into rivers and oceans, which can harm sea animals. For example, fish, turtles and birds may eat plastic by mistake or become trapped in it. This can lead to injury or death. Plastic waste also makes streets, beaches and other natural areas dirty. In addition, small pieces of plastic can enter water and food, which may be harmful to humans and animals.

There are several ways to reduce this problem. Governments should make strict rules to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and bottles. They could also provide more recycling facilities and encourage companies to use paper or other environmentally friendly materials. Individuals can help by using reusable bags and water bottles. They should also recycle plastic products and avoid buying items with unnecessary plastic packaging.

In conclusion, plastic causes serious damage to nature, especially to animals and water resources. Governments should introduce stronger rules and improve recycling systems, while individuals should reduce their use of plastic. If everyone works together, plastic pollution can be reduced significantly.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly identify the environmental damage caused by plastic, such as the threat to marine life and the persistence of waste in the environment. Furthermore, you provide distinct solutions for both governments and individuals. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, though they could be further extended with more specific examples or deeper analysis to reach a higher band. For instance, mentioning a specific policy like a 'plastic bag tax' or a 'ban on microplastics' would have strengthened the government section. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Therefore', 'In addition', and 'In conclusion' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices further, as some transitions are quite standard. The referencing is clear throughout, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'convenient', 'persistence', 'environmentally friendly', and 'significantly'. The language is natural and appropriate for the context. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks a wider range of less common or more sophisticated lexical items. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations or academic synonyms. For example, instead of 'make strict rules', you could use 'implement stringent regulations'. The spelling is accurate throughout, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('If everyone works together...') and relative clauses ('which can harm sea animals') effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is solid. To move into the higher bands, you could experiment with more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility. As it stands, the writing is clear, readable, and grammatically sound.

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