Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-01

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 pollution has become a major environmental concern as plastic bags, bottles and packaging are widely used in everyday life. Although plastic products are convenient and inexpensive, they can cause serious damage to ecosystems. This essay will discuss the main environmental problems caused by plastic and the measures that governments and individuals can take to address them.

One of the major problems associated with plastic is that it takes a very long time to decompose. As a result, large amounts of plastic waste accumulate in landfills, rivers and oceans, where they can harm wildlife and pollute natural habitats. Marine animals, for instance, may accidentally consume plastic waste or become trapped in it, which can lead to injury or death. Furthermore, burning plastic waste can release harmful substances into the atmosphere and contribute to air pollution. Therefore, excessive dependence on plastic can have a detrimental impact on both wildlife and the wider environment.

There are several measures that can be taken to tackle this issue. Governments should introduce stricter regulations on single-use plastic products and encourage businesses to use environmentally friendly alternatives. They could also improve recycling facilities and impose fines on companies that dispose of plastic waste irresponsibly. Individuals, meanwhile, should reduce their consumption of disposable plastic by using reusable shopping bags, bottles and food containers. For example, many supermarkets have introduced reusable bags and charge customers for plastic ones, which encourages people to adopt more environmentally friendly habits. If governments and individuals work together, the amount of plastic waste can be significantly reduced.

In conclusion, plastic pollution damages the environment by contaminating natural habitats, harming wildlife and contributing to air pollution. Governments should strengthen regulations and recycling systems, while individuals should reduce their use of disposable plastic and adopt more sustainable alternatives.

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 long decomposition time and the threat to marine life, and provide relevant solutions for both governments and individuals. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are well-developed with logical supporting points. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly more on the 'why' behind the government regulations or provide a more specific example of a successful government policy to add depth to your argument.

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 a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the topic, using terms like 'decompose,' 'accumulate,' 'detrimental impact,' and 'sustainable alternatives.' The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations (e.g., 'mitigate the impact' or 'non-biodegradable materials') would elevate the lexical range further. There are no significant spelling or word-choice 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 complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although plastic products are convenient and inexpensive, they can cause serious damage to ecosystems.' The grammar is accurate, with very few errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or more advanced conditional forms.

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