IELTS Writing Task 2: Environment sample answer — Band 7
A model answer written by us and modeled on the IELTS Writing Task 2 format. The band label reflects this practice example — it's not an official score.
The question
Band 7 model answer
~247 wordsMany people think that protecting the environment is a job for governments and big companies, and that ordinary people cannot really change anything. I partly agree with this idea, but I also believe that individuals still have an important role to play.
On the one hand, it is true that large organisations have the biggest impact. Factories and power plants produce far more pollution than households, so only governments can force them to reduce emissions through laws and taxes. For example, a country can introduce rules that require companies to use cleaner energy, which affects the whole nation at once. One person recycling at home cannot achieve anything on this scale.
On the other hand, I do not think individuals are completely powerless. The choices that millions of people make can change what companies decide to sell. When more people buy electric cars or avoid single-use plastic, businesses respond to this demand. People also vote, so if citizens care about the environment, governments are more likely to take action. In this way, small actions add up and put pressure on the people in charge.
In conclusion, although governments and big companies have the most power to protect the environment, I believe that individuals are not helpless. Their daily choices and their votes can influence the bigger decisions, so both sides need to work together.
Why this is a band 7
Task response
Addresses the question with a clear position and relevant ideas, though development is less deep than a band 8/9 and examples stay general.
Coherence and cohesion
Clear progression with effective "On the one hand / On the other hand" framing; cohesion is mostly accurate but a little repetitive.
Lexical resource
Sufficient vocabulary for the topic with some less common items ("single-use plastic", "emissions"); occasional imprecision.
Grammatical range and accuracy
A mix of simple and complex sentences; errors occur but rarely impede communication.