Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-30

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 7.5)

In recent years, plastic products have become an essential part of modern life, but their widespread use poses serious environmental problems. Plastic waste can pollute land and water and cause harm to wildlife. This essay will examine the damage caused by plastic and discuss what governments and individuals can do to address this issue.

One of the main environmental problems caused by plastic is the pollution of land and water. Unlike many organic substances, plastic takes a long time to decompose and accumulates in landfills, rivers, and oceans. This can have harmful effects on wildlife, as animals may swallow plastic or become trapped in it. For example, marine animals may mistake floating plastic bags for food, which can seriously affect their health.

Both governments and individuals have an important role to play in reducing plastic pollution. Firstly, governments should introduce stricter laws on single-use plastics and invest in effective recycling and waste-management systems. For example, they could charge for plastic bags and provide more recycling facilities in residential areas. These measures can reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment. At the same time, individuals can reduce their use of disposable products by carrying reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and food containers. They should also separate recyclable waste and dispose of it properly. If these habits become widespread, they can significantly reduce plastic waste.

In conclusion, the widespread use of plastic poses serious environmental threats, particularly by polluting land and water and harming wildlife. Governments should introduce stricter laws and improve recycling systems, while individuals can contribute by reducing their use of plastic and adopting more responsible waste-management habits.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The introduction clearly sets out the purpose of the essay. The second paragraph thoroughly discusses the environmental damage caused by plastic, specifically citing pollution of land and water and providing a relevant example of marine animals mistaking plastic bags for food. The third paragraph offers well-developed and logical solutions involving both governments, such as stricter laws and charges for plastic bags, and individuals, such as carrying reusable containers and separating waste. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points. The position is clear throughout, and ideas are well-supported with relevant examples and explanations. The requirements of the task are met completely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from introducing the problem, to detailing environmental damage, to outlining solutions for governments and individuals, and finally to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are managed well without being overly mechanical, using linking phrases such as 'Firstly', 'At the same time', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Reference words such as 'these measures' and 'they' are used accurately to maintain cohesion and clarity throughout the essay. Overall, the structural flow is clear and coherent.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. The writer successfully uses less common lexical items and topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'decompose', 'accumulates', 'single-use plastics', 'recycling and waste-management systems', and 'disposable products'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for instance, 'marine animals may mistake floating plastic bags for food'. There are only occasional minor limitations or standard phrasings, but the vocabulary is fully adequate to convey precise meanings without any impediment to communication. The lexical control is strong and supports the development of the arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of sentence structures, successfully combining simple and complex forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional and relative clauses, such as 'Unlike many organic substances, plastic takes a long time to decompose...' and 'If these habits become widespread, they can significantly reduce plastic waste.' The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. There are no noticeable slips or errors that impede communication. The control over complex grammatical forms is consistent and supports clear, precise communication throughout the response.

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