IELTS Writing Task 2: Ocean Pollution – Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people believe that the best way to reduce ocean pollution is to ban single-use plastics. Others argue that education and awareness are more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Score Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 – Presents a position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 – Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 – Attempts complex sentences but with frequent errors.

Answer

Ocean pollution is a big problem in the world today. Some people think that banning single-use plastics is the best way to solve this problem. I agree with this view because plastics are very harmful to marine life. For example, turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them, which can kill the turtles. Additionally, plastics take hundreds of years to decompose, so they stay in the ocean for a very long time.

However, other people believe that education and awareness are more effective. They argue that if people understand the dangers of ocean pollution, they will change their behavior. For instance, campaigns about recycling and reducing waste can encourage people to use less plastic. Moreover, schools can teach students about the importance of protecting the ocean, which can have a long-term impact.

In conclusion, I think that banning single-use plastics is the best solution because it directly addresses the source of the problem. Education is also important, but it takes time to see results. Therefore, a ban on single-use plastics should be implemented immediately to protect our oceans.

Band 7.0 Answer

Score Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 – Presents a clear position with logical development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 – Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 – Uses a mix of appropriate and less accurate vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with occasional errors.

Answer

Ocean pollution has become a critical issue that demands immediate attention. While some advocate for banning single-use plastics as the most effective solution, others contend that education and awareness are more impactful. Both perspectives have merit, but I believe that a combination of both approaches is necessary.

On one hand, banning single-use plastics can significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the ocean. For instance, many countries have implemented plastic bag bans, which have led to a noticeable decrease in plastic pollution. Additionally, businesses are increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging alternatives, such as biodegradable materials. These measures demonstrate that regulatory actions can be effective in combating ocean pollution.

On the other hand, education and awareness play a crucial role in changing people's behavior. For example, campaigns about the dangers of microplastics have raised public awareness and encouraged individuals to reduce their plastic consumption. Schools and community programs can also teach people about the importance of recycling and proper waste disposal. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, education can lead to long-term changes in behavior.

In conclusion, while banning single-use plastics is an essential step, it should be complemented by education and awareness initiatives. A multifaceted approach that includes both regulatory measures and public education is likely to be the most effective in addressing ocean pollution.

Band 8.0 Answer

Score Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 – Presents a clear position with thorough development and nuanced analysis.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 – Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 – Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with occasional less accurate usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 – Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with occasional errors.

Answer

The escalating problem of ocean pollution has sparked a debate about the most effective solutions. While some argue that banning single-use plastics is the most efficacious approach, others contend that education and awareness are more impactful. Both strategies have their merits, but a comprehensive approach that incorporates both is likely to be the most effective.

Proponents of banning single-use plastics point to the immediate and tangible results that such measures can achieve. For example, the European Union's ban on certain single-use plastics has led to a significant reduction in marine pollution. Furthermore, businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, such as using biodegradable materials, which can help mitigate the problem. These regulatory measures can have a swift and substantial impact on reducing ocean pollution.

However, advocates for education and awareness argue that long-term behavioral changes are essential for sustainable solutions. For instance, public awareness campaigns about the dangers of microplastics have led to a shift in consumer behavior, with more people opting for reusable products. Additionally, educational programs in schools and communities can instill a sense of environmental responsibility in future generations. By fostering a culture of sustainability, education can lead to lasting changes in behavior.

In conclusion, while banning single-use plastics is a crucial step, it should be complemented by education and awareness initiatives. A multifaceted approach that includes both regulatory measures and public education is likely to be the most effective in addressing ocean pollution. By combining these strategies, we can work towards a cleaner and healthier ocean for future generations.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Escalating (adj.) – Increasing in intensity or severity.

• Example: The escalating problem of ocean pollution requires immediate action.

1. Efficacious (adj.) – Effective or producing a desired result.

• Example: The ban on single-use plastics has proven to be efficacious in reducing marine pollution.

1. Mitigate (v.) – To make less severe or intense.

• Example: Sustainable practices can help mitigate the problem of ocean pollution.

1. Biodegradable (adj.) – Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.

• Example: Biodegradable materials are a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics.

1. Microplastics (n.) – Tiny pieces of plastic that pollute the environment.

• Example: Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of microplastics have led to a shift in consumer behavior.

1. Sustainable (adj.) – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Sustainable practices are essential for protecting the environment.

1. Instill (v.) – To gradually cause someone to have a quality or feeling.

• Example: Educational programs can instill a sense of environmental responsibility in future generations.

1. Comprehensive (adj.) – Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

• Example: A comprehensive approach to ocean pollution includes both regulatory measures and public education.

1. Regulatory (adj.) – Relating to or denoting rules or directives issued by an authority.

• Example: Regulatory measures can have a swift and substantial impact on reducing ocean pollution.

1. Tangible (adj.) – Clear and definite; real or concrete.

• Example: The ban on single-use plastics has led to tangible results in reducing marine pollution.

1. Substantial (adj.) – Considerable in size, amount, or importance.

• Example: Regulatory measures can have a substantial impact on reducing ocean pollution.

1. Impactful (adj.) – Having a major impact or effect.

• Example: Education and awareness initiatives can be impactful in changing people's behavior.

1. Multifaceted (adj.) – Having many different aspects or features.

• Example: A multifaceted approach to ocean pollution includes both regulatory measures and public education.

1. Complement (v.) – To make something complete by adding to it.

• Example: Education and awareness initiatives can complement regulatory measures in addressing ocean pollution.

1. Sustainability (n.) – The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Sustainable practices are essential for protecting the environment.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, making their response vague and unfocused.

1. Inadequate Development of Ideas: Students often present ideas without sufficient explanation or examples, leading to a shallow analysis.

1. Poor Organization: Responses that lack clear paragraphs and logical progression can be difficult to follow and may result in a lower score for coherence and cohesion.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response and lower the score for grammatical range and accuracy.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can make the response repetitive and less engaging, affecting the lexical resource score.

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