Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Due to the global warming, several species were lost to extinction and the environment has changed dramatically. Some people believe the biggest problem this change has caused are the extinctions of various life forms, while others argue there are more important environmental problems. While both arguments have valid points, i believe that the latter viewpoint is more likely to be correct.

Those who argue that the loss of specific species of plants and animals is the main issue tend to argue that their roles in their environment were irreplaceable and crucial. While their disappearances are detrimental and can lead to the destruction of multiple habitats, this issue is likely alleviated in the near future with breeding and genetic engineering to replicate lost species. This approach is already being conducted and experimented with right now. Take the revival of a certain brown bare species for instance. They play the role of controlling the number of certain pray and prevent them from overpopulating and overeating. Furthermore, the main factors driving global warming are human related and therefore, the loss of specific animals and plants are not the main problem in global warming.

On the other hand, those who believe there are broader and more significant problems usually argue that the changes in habitats and human activities are the main issues. Both of these are the driving factors in global warming and as a consequence, leads to a multitude of issues other than just a warmer planet. Take irreparable problems such as the melting of icebergs for example. They accelerate global warming, cannot be replaced in any means and will continue to heat the planet for millennia. Additionally, global warming destroys more habitats and species than the extinctions of certain animals and plants.

In conclusion, both problems undoubtably have great consequences. However, i believe that there more problematic issues other than the loss of particular species because it is less reparable and has bigger consequences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The essay addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal position. The ideas are relevant, such as the mention of genetic engineering and the impact of melting icebergs. However, the development is slightly uneven; the argument regarding 'breeding and genetic engineering' to solve extinction is somewhat speculative and lacks depth. The conclusion is clear, though it could have been more effectively linked to the main body points. Overall, the response is well-structured and fulfills the requirements of the prompt by discussing both views and providing a reasoned opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two viewpoints. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing in the second paragraph (e.g., 'a certain brown bare species') is a bit vague, which slightly impacts the flow. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, with some good collocations like 'irreparable problems' and 'detrimental'. There are some minor errors, such as 'brown bare' (should be 'bear') and 'pray' (should be 'prey'), which are spelling errors that do not impede communication. The range is sufficient to express ideas clearly, but there is room for more sophisticated or precise academic vocabulary to reach a higher band. The use of 'undoubtably' is a minor spelling slip for 'undoubtedly'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'Due to the global warming' (the article 'the' is unnecessary here) and 'leads to a multitude of issues' (subject-verb agreement error, as 'Both' is the subject). Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The control of grammar is sufficient for a band 6.5, as the errors do not cause confusion for the reader.

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