Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-26

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 has become an essential part of modern life, but its widespread use causes serious environmental problems. Plastic bags, bottles and packaging are especially harmful because they are often used once and then thrown away.

One major problem is pollution. Most plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, so it accumulates in landfills, rivers and oceans. Marine animals can mistake plastic for food or become trapped in it, which can cause injury and death. In addition, tiny pieces of plastic, known as microplastics, can enter the food chain and water supplies. Plastic production and disposal also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, making climate change worse.

Governments can play a major role in solving this problem. They should ban or tax unnecessary single-use plastics, improve recycling systems and encourage companies to use reusable or biodegradable packaging. For example, several countries have introduced charges for plastic shopping bags, which has significantly reduced their use. Governments can also educate the public about responsible waste disposal.

Individuals also have an important responsibility. People can carry reusable shopping bags and bottles, avoid products with excessive packaging, separate recyclable waste and reuse containers whenever possible. From my own experience, simply carrying a reusable bottle can greatly reduce the number of plastic bottles used each week.

In conclusion, plastic damages ecosystems, harms wildlife and contributes to climate change. Although governments must introduce effective laws and recycling systems, individuals should also change their daily habits. By working together, society can significantly reduce plastic pollution and protect the environment for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identified the environmental damage caused by plastic, such as marine harm, microplastics, and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, you provided distinct, actionable solutions for both governments and individuals. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of plastic bag charges and personal habits like using reusable bottles. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the structure is logical, ensuring that every aspect of the task is covered thoroughly and effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic. Terms like 'decompose', 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'biodegradable', and 'ecosystems' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is natural and precise, allowing you to convey your points clearly without any significant errors. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and shows a good level of control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences that are generally error-free. Your control over grammar and punctuation is strong, with no significant errors that impede communication. You successfully use a mix of simple and complex forms, such as 'Most plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose, so it accumulates...' and 'By working together, society can significantly reduce...'. The majority of your sentences are accurate, and the few minor slips that might occur do not detract from the overall clarity or professional tone of the writing.

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.