Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-05
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)
Environmental issues have become one of the biggest concerns in the modern world. While some people believe that the extinction of certain plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem, others argue that issues such as climate change and pollution are even more important. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that other environmental problems deserve greater attention.
On the one hand, many people think that the loss of plant and animal species is the greatest environmental challenge. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. In my opinion, although protecting endangered species is very important, larger environmental issues should be given higher priority. If governments can reduce pollution, slow climate change, and stop deforestation, many plants and animals will also be protected. In other words, solving the root causes can help preserve biodiversity as well as improve human lives.
In conclusion, while the extinction of plants and animals is a serious concern, I believe that global issues such as climate change and pollution are more significant because they affect both people and wildlife. Therefore, governments and individuals should work together to address these problems as soon as possible.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, containing only 198 words. This significantly impacts the development of ideas. While the essay identifies both views and provides a clear personal opinion, the arguments are underdeveloped. The discussion of the first view is very brief, and the second view lacks specific examples or detailed reasoning to support the claims. To reach a higher band, you must expand your arguments with concrete evidence, such as specific examples of how climate change impacts ecosystems or human health, to ensure the task is fully addressed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraph, and conclusion. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and the use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In my opinion', and 'In conclusion' is appropriate. However, because the essay is quite short, the paragraphing feels somewhat sparse. The transition between the two views is smooth, but the lack of depth in the body paragraphs makes the overall structure feel incomplete. To improve, ensure that each main idea is supported by a full paragraph with clear topic sentences and supporting details.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally accurate and appropriate for the topic, including terms like 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'root causes', and 'environmental challenge'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There is little attempt to use less common or more sophisticated vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of lexical control. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise collocations and a wider variety of topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'ecological equilibrium' or 'mitigation strategies', rather than relying on more basic descriptive phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The essay demonstrates a good command of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. You successfully employed conditional structures ('If governments can reduce...') and complex sentences with subordinate clauses. However, the range of structures is somewhat restricted due to the brevity of the response. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of grammatical forms, such as passive voice or more varied modal verbs, while maintaining the high level of accuracy currently present in your writing.
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