Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-08

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)

In recent times, due to the massive rise in the population there has been severe environmental problems, some people argue that main environmental issue of our time is loss of particular species of plants and animals. While others argue that there are far more important environmental problems. In my opinion I think there are many important issues which should have far more greater importance than loss of particular species. This essay will discuss both the views and my opinion with relevant examples.

Nowadays, due to urban expansion ,hunters and poaching there has been a significant decline in the population of endangered species. While this is a big problem, as the loss of particular animals and plants effect the local biodiversity and will create problems for the local population. For instance, bees are very important for our agriculture, they are responsible for cross-pollination of plants, without them there will be severe famines around the world. Additionally, there are some rare plants which are useful in medicine but they are becoming harder to find these days due to pollution and without them we will face a shortage of critical medicines.

Conversely, there are other issues that are more important than endangered species, like water, air, land pollutions for example. Water pollution is a serious problem that effects millions of people around the world, in various developing countries many people do not have access to clean drinking water and are suffering with several diseases. Likewise, due to the increase in air pollution many people are suffering with lungs and vision problems. In addition, due to land pollution many plants and animals are dying. For example, water pollution causes cholera that effects millions of people around the world and air pollution kills thousands of people every year and decreases the lifespan of millions.

In conclusion, there are many other important environmental problems other than caring about endangered species. In my opinion we should give importance to these bigger problems first and then look at the loss of particular species.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. While you mention bees and medicine for the first view, and water/air pollution for the second, the arguments lack depth and analytical rigor. The conclusion is quite brief and does not fully synthesize the points discussed. To reach a higher band, ensure that your supporting examples are more thoroughly explained to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the environmental complexities involved.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'For instance', and 'In addition' to link your points. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive. The flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a more robust topic sentence to guide the reader through your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biodiversity', 'cross-pollination', and 'urban expansion'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'far more greater importance' (a double comparative) and 'effects' used instead of the verb 'affects'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoid redundant phrasing. Expanding your vocabulary to include more nuanced synonyms will help you move into the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and article usage (e.g., 'there has been severe environmental problems' should be 'there have been'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are some issues with comma splices and run-on sentences. Increasing your control over complex structures and proofreading for basic agreement errors will significantly enhance your score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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