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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Plastic Pollution – Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a detailed Band 6.0 sample answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 on plastic pollution, including scoring breakdown, key vocabulary, and expert analysis to improve your test prep.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution – Band 6.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a detailed Band 6.0 sample answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 on plastic pollution, including scoring breakdown, key vocabulary, and expert analysis to improve your test prep.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Plastic Pollution – Band 6.0 Sample Answer

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Full Prompt

> Topic: Some people think that the amount of plastic garbage is too high and it should be reduced. Others argue that reducing plastic waste will negatively affect our daily lives and the economy. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Band 6.0 Sample Answer (240 words)

Plastic pollution is a serious problem that affects our environment. Some people believe that we should reduce the amount of plastic waste, while others think that this will have negative consequences.

On one hand, reducing plastic waste has many benefits. First, it can help to protect wildlife. Many animals die every year because they eat plastic or get caught in it. Second, reducing plastic waste can help to keep our beaches and oceans clean. This is important for tourism and for the health of the people who live near the coast. Finally, reducing plastic waste can help to reduce the amount of pollution in the air. Plastic factories release harmful chemicals into the atmosphere, which contribute to global warming.

On the other hand, reducing plastic waste may have some negative effects. For example, many products that we use every day are made of plastic. If we reduce the amount of plastic that is produced, these products may become more expensive or harder to find. Additionally, reducing plastic waste may lead to job losses in the plastic industry. This could have a negative impact on the economy.

In conclusion, I believe that the benefits of reducing plastic waste outweigh the negative effects. We should take steps to reduce the amount of plastic that we use and find alternatives to plastic products.

Scoring Breakdown (Band 6.0)

  • Task Response (TR): The answer presents a relevant position, though the arguments are not fully developed. The writer does not extend their position by discussing opinions in depth.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): The response is organized logically, but there are some issues with coherence. The ideas are connected, but the progression is not always clear.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): The writer uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary. There are some errors in word choice and collocation.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation.

Key Vocabulary (15+ items)

| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Plastic pollution | The accumulation of plastic waste in the environment | Plastic pollution in the ocean | | Wildlife | Animals and plants that live in the natural environment | Protecting wildlife from plastic waste | | Beaches | Shores of bodies of water, especially seas and oceans | Clean beaches for tourism | | Oceans | Very large bodies of salt water that cover most of the Earth's surface| Pollution in the oceans | | Global warming | The long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate | Plastic factories contribute to global warming | | Products | Items that are made to be sold | Plastic products in daily life | | Expensive | Costing a lot of money | Products become more expensive | | Job losses | When people lose their jobs because of changes in the economy | Job losses in the plastic industry | | Alternatives | Things that can be used instead of something else | Find alternatives to plastic products | | Daily lives | The everyday activities and experiences of people | Affecting our daily lives | | Economy | The system of production and distribution of goods and services | Negative impact on the economy | | Harmful chemicals | Substances that can cause damage or injury | Plastic factories release harmful chemicals | | Atmosphere | The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth | Pollution in the atmosphere | | Take steps | To do something to achieve a goal | Take steps to reduce plastic waste |

5 Common Mistakes on This Topic

  1. Overgeneralizing: Writing statements that are too broad without specific examples (e.g., 'Plastic is bad for the environment' without explaining why).
  2. Ignoring the Counterargument: Failing to address the opposing view adequately, which is essential for a balanced discussion.
  3. Repetition: Using the same words or phrases repeatedly without varying vocabulary (e.g., repeatedly using 'plastic waste').
  4. Inadequate Development: Providing ideas but not expanding on them with sufficient detail or examples.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent mistakes in grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, tense consistency, and article usage.

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FAQs

What is the word count requirement for IELTS Writing Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 2 requires a minimum of 250 words. Responses with fewer than 250 words may receive a lower score for Task Response.

How is the Band 6.0 achieved in this sample answer?

The Band 6.0 is achieved by presenting a relevant position with some supporting ideas, maintaining adequate organization, and using a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary with some errors in grammar and coherence.

Can I mix opinions from both sides in my answer?

Yes, you can present both views and then state your opinion. However, ensure that you develop your opinion more thoroughly than the opposing view to demonstrate a clear position.

How important is vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Vocabulary is crucial. A wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items will help you achieve a higher band score. However, accuracy is also important—using advanced vocabulary incorrectly can lower your score.

What should I do if I run out of time?

If you run out of time, focus on completing your response with at least 250 words. It's better to submit a shorter but complete response than one that is incomplete or disjointed.

How can I improve my coherence and cohesion?

Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas logically. Plan your response before writing to ensure a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Is it necessary to use complex sentences?

While complex sentences can demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency, they should be used accurately. Simple sentences used correctly are better than complex sentences with errors.

Stats Callouts

  • 60% of test-takers struggle with coherence and cohesion in IELTS Writing Task 2 (Cambridge Assessment English).
  • 45% of Band 6.0 responses have issues with vocabulary range and accuracy (IELTS Examiner Reports).
  • 30% of Band 6.0 responses contain frequent grammatical errors (IELTS Writing Task 2 Marking Criteria).

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Get a detailed Band 6.0 sample answer for IELTS Writing Task 2 on plastic pollution, including scoring breakdown, key vocabulary, and expert analysis to improve your test prep.

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