Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-30

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)

It is an undeniable fact that plastic plays a paramount role in polluting the environment. Various kinds of plastic packaging items such as bags, bottles, wraps and many more are not soluble when tried to decompose; it also needs to go through many stages for recycling. From my perspective, governments can take certain measures by implementing some strict laws for the usage of it; whereas, the citizens can give their input by being abide by laws.

To begin with, plastic is next to impossible to decompose. It can stay on the land for decades contributing in soil pollution. Sometimes, animals may threaten their lives by eating the plastic materials. Additionally, some research has found that plastic has been found at the deepest level of the ocean, this has sparked the debate about the threat to marine life. Furthermore, by burning it, could eliminate the dangerous fumes that can give the lung infection or breathing problems to mankind. Many of the people are having hormonal issues these days by having the food packaged in plastic.

However, we seldom give a thought to ponder over the solutions of this matter. It is not only the government's responsibility to take care of this problem, but people's too. Most importantly, the government should ban usage of single use plastic bags. Moreover, some rules and regulations can put a break on production of it. For instance, manufacturers of plastic items need a permission from government first. Later on, the citizen of country should take the responsibility too, rather than putting it on governments only. For example, if the seller is giving the product in a plastic bag, then one should deny it.

The seemingly inexorable debate about plastic and its adverse effects can keep on going. Nevertheless, showing deep reverence for all the aspects and observing a finer nuance of the matter mentioned above, I espouse the notion of supporting the fact that this problem cannot be solved in a night, rather it would require many years. Scientists could discover some materials which can replace plastic, and cannot harm the fragile nature. We all should also give our contribution as much as we can to avoid the usage of it and prevent the Mother Nature.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt, identifying environmental damage and suggesting solutions for both governments and individuals. Your position is clear throughout the essay. However, some ideas are slightly under-developed. For instance, the point about burning plastic causing lung infections is a bit vague and could have been expanded with more specific detail on the chemical processes involved. Additionally, the suggestion that 'manufacturers need a permission' is a good start but could be more specific (e.g., implementing 'extended producer responsibility' or 'plastic taxes'). Overall, the response is relevant and covers the requirements well, though it lacks the depth of analysis required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'Additionally,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Nevertheless.' However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or forced, such as 'showing deep reverence for all the aspects and observing a finer nuance.' The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is generally easy to follow. To improve, ensure that your linking phrases are used more naturally to connect complex ideas rather than just acting as signposts at the start of sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'paramount,' 'inexorable,' and 'fragile nature.' There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'not soluble when tried to decompose' (should be 'non-biodegradable') and 'give the lung infection' (should be 'cause respiratory issues'). While you attempt to use more sophisticated language, some of these choices are slightly unnatural. However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly throughout the response, and you avoid repetitive language for the most part.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'by being abide by laws' (should be 'by abiding by the laws') and 'the citizen of country' (should be 'citizens of the country'). Additionally, there are some issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. You have a decent grasp of complex structures, but you need to focus on accuracy in subject-verb agreement and prepositional usage to reach a higher band.

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.