Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-30

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 7.0)

Some people argue that the major environmental issue currently is the loss of particular species of both plants and animals while others contend that there are more pressing environmental issues. In my opinion, I believe that that the reduction in the number of species is as important as other environmental concerns. These impending paragraphs will discuss my contention.

On one hand, various species of plants and animals are at an increasing risk of becoming extinct. Due to littering and pollution, many animals can get stuck or choke on non-biodegradable material such as plastic, resulting in their deaths. Overall, many endangered species, such as the Red Panda and the Amur Leopard, are soon to become extinct because of the lack of environmental care. If more precautions are not taken, more species could become extinct, resulting in the disruption of food chains and essentially the entire operation of many ecosystems.

On the other hand, these environmental issues not only affect flora and fauna, but the entire planet as well. Attributable to greenhouse gases released by vehicles, climate change is becoming more of a problem which in turn is affecting global warming as well. It has been reported that more glaciers and ice caps are melting because of the erratic increase in the temperature of the planet. This negatively impacts both the habitat of animals living in these environments and the humans inhabiting these areas.

In conclusion, it is vital that we do not undermine either one of these concerning problems caused by environmental neglect. Both are equally grave problems that we must address soon, otherwise we might be too late.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response7.0
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource7.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.0
Overall7.0

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 impact of pollution on wildlife and the broader consequences of climate change. However, the development is somewhat limited. While you mention specific species like the Red Panda, the discussion on 'more important environmental problems' is a bit brief and could have been expanded with more concrete examples or deeper analysis of why climate change might be considered more pressing. To reach a higher band, ensure that both sides of the argument are explored with equal depth and that your own position is integrated more thoroughly throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words or referencing techniques to connect ideas more fluidly. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'non-biodegradable', 'flora and fauna', and 'erratic increase'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is generally successful. However, there are minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'impending paragraphs' (which is not the standard way to refer to upcoming text) and 'environmental care'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensuring that your word choices are natural in an academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which allows for easy communication. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as the repetition of 'that that' in the introduction and the slightly awkward phrasing 'becoming more of a problem which in turn is affecting global warming as well'. Punctuation is generally accurate. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, with greater precision.

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