Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

In today's modern world, environmental problem has been become a pressing issue. It is considered by some that extinction of plants and animals species is the major problem of environmental problem while others believe that there are more crucial problems beyond this problem. In this essay, I will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that there are more major environmental problems which require immediate attention.

On the one hand, one of the main reasons why people consider loss of species as the main challenge is that the increasing amount of carbon dioxide. In the past, there were different kinds of plants and animals which are now on the way of extinction. These species play a vital role in keeping alive many forests. Plants intake carbon dioxide which is very harmful for both of our life and environment. Population is increasing day by day while in contrast, the ratio of plants and trees are declining. Therefore, it results in circulating more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and contribute to environmental problems.

On the other hand, this problem should not be seen isolated. Other factors such as water pollution, air pollution are contributing significantly in the environmental problem. Many industries or factories drain their wastes in the rivers, canals and ponds which is the main reason of water pollution. These polluted water then used by many houses or drank by animals which can lead them many diseases. In addition, air pollution is caused by transportation or factories. Many harmful gases emitt from vehicles which pollute air as well as the whole enviroinment.

In my opinion, although losing species have a negative impact on environment, it is not the major problem. The other such as air and water pollution can have more greater impact on environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and state a clear preference: you argue that air and water pollution are more serious than species loss. The discussion is relevant, and the examples of industrial waste entering waterways and vehicle emissions help explain the alternative problems. However, the two sides are not developed equally or fully. The explanation of species loss shifts mainly to carbon dioxide and the role of plants, rather than showing clearly how the loss of particular species creates wider environmental harm. Your conclusion repeats your position but gives little further reasoning. To strengthen the response, explain the consequences of biodiversity loss more directly and compare its effects with pollution using specific, developed examples.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, one paragraph for each view, and a concluding opinion. Signposting such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In my opinion” makes the direction easy to follow. Within paragraphs, however, some links are mechanical or unclear. For example, “Therefore, it results in circulating more carbon dioxide” does not clearly identify what “it” refers to, and the connection between species loss and carbon dioxide needs to be explained. The final paragraph is very brief and does not bring the comparison together. Use clearer referencing and build each paragraph through a more explicit sequence of claim, explanation, and consequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant environmental vocabulary, including “extinction,” “carbon dioxide,” “water pollution,” and “harmful gases,” so the topic is generally clear. There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “play a vital role” and “require immediate attention.” However, several inaccurate or awkward expressions limit precision: “environmental problem has been become,” “the main problem of environmental problem,” and “the other such as air and water pollution.” Spelling errors such as “emitt” and “enviroinment” are noticeable, while repeated use of “problem” makes the vocabulary less varied. Aim for accurate collocations and word forms, and use alternatives such as “environmental challenge,” “issue,” or “threat” where appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “while,” “which,” and “although.” This gives the response some structural variety, and the main ideas are usually understandable. However, errors occur across several sentence patterns. For example, “has been become” has an incorrect verb form, “species play” is followed by “which are now” where the reference and tense are not well controlled, and “These polluted water then used” lacks a correct verb construction. There are also agreement and article problems in phrases such as “the ratio of plants and trees are declining” and “losing species have a negative impact.” Review verb forms, subject–verb agreement, and sentence construction, then proofread to make these patterns more reliable.

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