Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-16

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 7.5)

Plastic waste has become one of the most serious environmental problems of modern life. Although plastic is cheap, light and convenient, the widespread use of bags, bottles and packaging causes long-term damage to nature. Governments and individuals must therefore take practical action to reduce its use and improve waste management.

The main problem is that most plastic does not break down naturally for hundreds of years. As a result, it accumulates in landfills, rivers and oceans. Marine animals often mistake plastic bags and small pieces of packaging for food, which can injure or kill them. In addition, plastic waste can block drains and contribute to flooding in cities. When plastic eventually breaks into tiny particles, known as microplastics, these can enter the food chain and may threaten both wildlife and human health.

Governments should introduce stronger laws to limit single-use plastics. For example, they can charge customers for plastic bags, ban unnecessary packaging and require companies to use recyclable or biodegradable materials. They should also invest in reliable recycling facilities and public awareness campaigns. In my town, several supermarkets began charging for plastic bags, and many shoppers now bring reusable bags instead.

Individuals also have an important role. People can carry reusable shopping bags and water bottles, avoid products with excessive packaging, and separate recyclable waste at home. Choosing refillable items rather than disposable ones is another simple but effective habit.

In conclusion, plastic pollution harms ecosystems, animals and potentially people. A combination of government regulation and responsible everyday choices is essential to reduce this growing problem.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The first part, concerning the environmental damage caused by plastic, is well explored through specific points such as non-biodegradability, wildlife ingestion, urban flooding, and microplastics entering the food chain. The second part, outlining solutions for both governments and individuals, is also thoroughly covered with clear examples, such as supermarket charges and reusable alternatives. The position is clear throughout, and ideas are well developed with relevant supporting details. Overall, the response meets all the requirements of the prompt effectively, earning a solid band score for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the environmental impacts, government measures, individual actions, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'As a result', 'In addition', and 'Governments should' are used effectively without being intrusive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's arguments effortlessly. Referencing is clear and logical, maintaining a natural flow of ideas from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, incorporating both common and less common items relevant to the topic of environmental pollution. Phrases like 'long-term damage', 'microplastics', 'single-use plastics', and 'biodegradable materials' demonstrate a good control of lexical resource. While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated throughout, it is precise, natural, and flexible enough to convey complex ideas clearly. There are virtually no spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the writing to communicate the message smoothly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside accurate simple sentences. Examples such as 'Although plastic is cheap, light and convenient, the widespread use of bags... causes long-term damage' and 'When plastic eventually breaks into tiny particles... these can enter the food chain' show a strong grasp of subordination and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. There are only very occasional minor slips, but control of grammar remains consistently high, supporting clear communication of the student's arguments.

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