Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-04

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 6.5)

Some people believe that the greatest environmental issue today is the extinction of certain species of plants and animals. Others argue that there are more severe environmental problems. While I agree that protecting biodiversity is important, I believe that issues such as climate change and pollution deserve greater attention because they affect both nature and human life on a much larger scale.

On the one hand, the loss of plant and animal species is a serious concern. Every species plays a unique role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. When one disappears, it can affect many other organisms and even reduce biodiversity. For exampl, the extinction of bees would greatly affect pollination, making it difficult for many crops and wild plants to survive. As a result, protecting endangered species is essential for preserving healthy ecosystems.

On the other hand, I believe that environmental problems such as climate change, air pollution, and plastic waste are even more urgent. These issues threaten millions of people as well as wildlife around the world. Rising global temperatures are causing more frequent natural disasters, while pollution deteriorates rivers, oceans, and the air we breathe. Moreover, these problems are often one of the reasons why many species become endangered in the first place. Therefore, tackling the root causes of environmental damage could also help protect wildlife.

In essence, although the disappearance of certain plants and animals is a significant environmental issue, I believe that the crux of the matter is that broader problems like climate change and pollution should be given higher priority because of their widespread and long-term effects on both humans and nature.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. Ideas are relevant and well-developed, particularly the argument regarding the interconnectedness of biodiversity loss and broader environmental issues like climate change. The example of bees is pertinent and effectively supports the argument. The response is balanced, giving sufficient attention to both sides before concluding with a clear stance. The development is logical and meets the requirements for a Band 7, as the ideas are extended and supported well, though a slightly deeper exploration of the 'more important' problems could have pushed this to a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of referencing and substitution is effective, for example, using 'these issues' to refer back to the previously mentioned environmental problems. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the cohesive devices are used flexibly without being mechanical, which is characteristic of a Band 7 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for some precision. The student uses topic-specific terminology such as 'biodiversity', 'ecosystems', 'extinction', and 'pollination' correctly. There is an attempt to use less common items, and the word choice is generally accurate. However, there is a minor spelling error ('exampl' instead of 'example'). While the range is adequate to convey ideas clearly, it lacks the sophisticated, idiomatic, or highly precise collocations that would be required for a Band 8. The vocabulary is functional and appropriate for an academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The student uses complex sentences effectively, such as 'While I agree that protecting biodiversity is important, I believe that issues...'. There is good control over grammar and punctuation, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The few errors present, such as the minor spelling mistake, do not impede communication or cause any difficulty for the reader. The control of verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The level of accuracy and the variety of structures used are consistent with the Band 7 descriptor.

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