Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-25
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 7.5)
Nowadays, the world is facing many environmental challenges, and there is a debate about which issue should be given the highest priority. Some people think that the extinction of plants and animals is the biggest environmental problem. However, others believe that issues like pollution and climate change are more important. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I agree with the second opinion.
On the one hand, many people believe that protecting plants and animals is very important. Every species has a role in nature, and if one disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, bees help pollinate crops, and without them food production may decrease. In addition, when a species becomes extinct, it cannot be brought back. This means the world loses part of its natural beauty and biodiversity forever. Thus, species of plants and animals are necessary.
On the other hand, some people think there are bigger environmental problems. Climate change is causing higher temperatures, floods, and droughts in many countries. Air and water pollution also have a serious effect on people's health and the environment. Furthermore, cutting down forests destroys the homes of many animals and increases global warming. These problems affect not only wildlife but also millions of people around the world. Therefore environmental problems are more important.
In conclusion, both the extinction of species and other environmental issues are important. However, I believe that dealing with climate change, pollution, and deforestation should be the main priority because they affect both humans and nature.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant, such as the role of bees in ecosystems and the broader impact of climate change. However, the development is somewhat limited; while the arguments are logical, they lack depth and specific, detailed examples that would elevate the response to a higher band. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively summarises the stance. To improve, you should aim to expand on your points with more nuanced analysis or more specific real-world examples to demonstrate a deeper engagement with the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organised with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. However, the cohesion is somewhat mechanical at times. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking words and use more sophisticated referencing (e.g., 'This interconnectedness', 'Such environmental degradation') to create a smoother flow between sentences and ideas, rather than relying on standard transition markers.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biodiversity', 'ecosystem', 'pollinate', and 'deforestation' correctly. The language is natural and clear, and there are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the 'less common' or 'precise' lexical items that would characterise a higher band score. To improve, focus on incorporating more academic collocations and synonyms to avoid repetition of basic words like 'important' or 'problems'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are error-free, which is a strength. You demonstrate good control over punctuation and basic sentence construction. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited; you rely heavily on straightforward 'subject-verb-object' patterns. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied subordinate clauses, conditional sentences, or passive voice constructions to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over complex grammatical forms.
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