Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-27

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 products such as bags, bottles, and packaging have become an important part of modern life, but their widespread use has caused serious environmental problems. Plastic pollution can damage ecosystems, harm wildlife, and contribute to the long-term accumulation of waste. Governments and individuals therefore need to take action to reduce unnecessary plastic consumption and improve waste management.

One of the main environmental problems caused by plastic is that it takes a very long time to break down. Large amounts of plastic waste end up in landfills, rivers, and oceans, where they can remain for many years. Marine animals can mistake plastic bags and other waste for food, which can cause injury or death. Plastic can also break down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which can enter water and food systems. For example, plastic bottles and packaging that are thrown away on beaches can eventually enter the ocean and become a threat to marine life.

Another problem is the way plastic is produced and disposed of. Most conventional plastics are made from fossil fuels, and their production requires energy and resources. In addition, burning plastic waste can release harmful pollutants if it is not done using appropriate waste-management systems. This means that the environmental impact of plastic can occur throughout its life cycle, from production to disposal.

Governments can take several measures to address this issue. They can introduce restrictions or taxes on unnecessary single-use plastic products, encourage companies to use recyclable or reusable packaging, and improve recycling and waste-collection systems. Governments can also require manufacturers to take greater responsibility for the packaging they produce. For instance, a deposit-return system for plastic bottles can encourage consumers to return used containers instead of throwing them away.

Individuals also have an important role to play. People can reduce their use of single-use plastics by carrying reusable shopping bags and water bottles, choosing products with less packaging, and recycling correctly. Small changes in everyday behaviour can make a significant difference when large numbers of people adopt them. For example, using a reusable bottle instead of purchasing disposable bottles regularly can reduce the amount of plastic waste produced by one person over time.

In conclusion, plastic pollution damages the environment by accumulating in landfills and natural habitats, harming wildlife, and contributing to microplastic pollution. Governments should introduce effective regulations and improve waste-management systems, while individuals should reduce unnecessary plastic consumption and reuse and recycle products whenever possible. Cooperation between governments, businesses, and individuals is essential to reduce the environmental impact of plastic

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring both the environmental damage caused by plastic and practical solutions for governments and individuals. The essay begins with a clear introduction outlining the scope of the problem. The body paragraphs are well-structured, each focusing on a distinct aspect of the topic. For instance, the second paragraph details the breakdown of plastic into microplastics and its effect on marine life, while the fourth and fifth paragraphs provide concrete solutions such as deposit-return systems and reusable shopping bags. Ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of plastic bottles on beaches and the use of reusable water bottles. The position is clear throughout, and the conclusion neatly summarises the main points. This performance completely satisfies the Band 8 criteria for Task Achievement by covering all parts of the prompt well with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the overall problem to specific environmental impacts, and finally to governmental and individual solutions. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph dedicated to a central theme. Cohesive devices such as 'One of the main environmental problems', 'In addition', and 'Governments can take several measures' are used effectively to guide the reader through the text. Referencing is clear and logical, and the overall structure feels unified. Although cohesion is managed very well, it does not quite reach the completely seamless level of Band 9, making Band 7.5 or 8.0 appropriate. Given the logical flow and skillful management of paragraphing, a band score of 7.5 is well-deserved.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suitable for a general task. There is good use of less common items and subject-specific collocations, such as 'environmental pollution', 'marine ecosystems', 'single-use plastics', 'deposit-return system', and 'waste-management systems'. Word choice is generally precise, and the student demonstrates an awareness of style appropriate for an IELTS essay. Although there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary occasionally relies on standard, reliable terms rather than pushing into the highly sophisticated or rare lexical choices required for higher bands. Nevertheless, the range is wide enough to ensure fluent expression without impeding communication. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, matching the requirements of Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures and sentence forms. The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate and well-constructed, featuring appropriate subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'Plastic products such as bags, bottles, and packaging have become an important part of modern life, but their widespread use has caused serious environmental problems.' Punctuation is handled correctly, and control of grammar is strong throughout the piece. There are only very occasional minor slips, but these do not impede communication or detract from the overall clarity of the writing. The mix of simple and complex sentences is handled with a high degree of control, matching the criteria for a Band 8, where the majority of sentences are error-free and a wide range of structures is used.

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