Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-11-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

People argue that the main environmental problem in our decade is the loss of species such as plants and animals. Others says that there are more environmental problems. Animal and plant loss is a huge issues that our society is facing, but there are more environmental problems.

One environmental problem is the loss of species of plants and animals, the reason is simple: the reduction of their habitat, and contamination. Part of the population think that the government should invest in the protection of the environment focusing on the species and their habitat. As a result of the loss of land some species started to move to areas close to the cities, where some resources and food are accessible. For example, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico the loss of land near the crocodile’s sanctuary is becoming a main issue for the people who lives near; most of the crocodiles migrate to places close to the beach, where most of the tourist visit. This problem is becoming more frequent, and it will be a real problem in a few years. In the future we only will be able to see the wild animals in the zoo.

On the other hand, some people say that as a society we should focus in another environmental problems, like the water shortage or the climate change. For example, the climate change is a problem that is increasing, and as a society, we should have a conversation about it. The government should present some solution to reduce the human impact and punish the companies who waste thousands of waters. A good example of the bad practice of some companies is Coca Cola, which spend a hundred of liters to produce a single soda bottle. As a human we should focus more on the environmental that some of the product can produce, and how can be prevent it.

I believe that we should focus in the loss of species of animals and plants, because if we lose some species of animals and plans, in consequence we are losing our natural resources.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response discusses both views and gives a clear preference for protecting species, so the main parts of the task are present. The crocodile example in Puerto Vallarta helps illustrate how habitat loss affects both wildlife and nearby residents. However, the discussion of the alternative view is less developed: climate change and water shortages are named, but their effects and relative importance are not explained in much detail. The final opinion is also brief and would be more convincing if it explained how species loss affects wider ecosystems or human life. To strengthen the response, develop each side with a clear reason and supporting example, then connect the conclusion directly to the arguments made in the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a recognisable structure: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a concluding opinion. Transitions such as “On the other hand” and “I believe” help signal the direction of the argument, and the example about crocodiles is placed within the relevant paragraph. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes unclear. For instance, the first body paragraph moves from habitat loss to government investment, migration, tourism, and zoos without fully linking these points. The second paragraph similarly shifts from climate change to water use by companies and then to consumer impact. Use clearer topic sentences and explain how each example supports the paragraph’s main claim; this would make the organisation more consistently logical and cohesion less dependent on basic signposting.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the topic, with relevant terms such as “habitat,” “contamination,” “water shortage,” “climate change,” and “human impact.” The response also attempts topic-specific phrasing, including “loss of land” and “natural resources.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or repetitive, which limits precision: “waste thousands of waters” is unclear, and “focus in another environmental problems” does not express the intended meaning naturally. Repeated use of “problem” and “loss” also makes the discussion less varied. Build a more precise environmental vocabulary and check common word partnerships, such as “focus on,” “water consumption,” and “biodiversity loss.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response uses both simple sentences and some longer structures, including cause-and-effect clauses and examples introduced with “where.” Meaning is generally understandable, but errors occur often enough to make some sentences awkward. Examples include “Others says,” “a huge issues,” and “the people who lives near,” where subject–verb agreement or number is incorrect. There are also problems with articles and sentence construction, as in “the climate change is a problem” and “In the future we only will be able to see.” Some complex sentences, such as the opening sentence of the first body paragraph, join ideas with a comma rather than a clear grammatical link. Review agreement, articles, and clause punctuation, and practise building accurate complex sentences.

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