Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-19

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)

In today’s globalised society, technology has advanced significantly. Many individuals believe that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is one of the major environmental problems of our time. However, others claim that there are several other pressing environmental issues. In this essay, I will discuss both views and share my opinion.

One of the major reasons for environmental degradation is the extinction of various species of flora and fauna. To establish complexes, malls and modern amusement parks, businesses often cut down forests, which is one of the main reasons for the extinction of species. In addition, as people become more modernised, they prefer to move into luxurious apartments, while traditional open land is used for other purposes, such as factories and tourist spots. As a result, natural habitats are disturbed or destroyed. For example, in many developing cities, large areas of forests and agricultural land are converted into residential colonies and shopping complexes. Consequently, animals lose their natural habitats and plants are destroyed, which can gradually reduce the population of several species.

On the other hand, problems such as climate change and pollution affect a much larger population. Global warming causes extreme weather conditions, rising temperatures and sea-level rise. Furthermore, oceans, rivers and even drinking water are contaminated with chemicals and industrial waste, which not only affects human health but is also life-threatening to aquatic and other animals. For instance, severe air pollution and extreme weather conditions in large cities can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduce people's quality of life.

In conclusion, in my opinion, both the loss of species and other environmental problems are serious concerns. However, I believe that climate change and pollution are more pressing because they affect a much larger population and can also contribute to the destruction of natural habitats and the loss of wildlife.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The essay addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, particularly in the second and third paragraphs. The position is consistent throughout the response. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific, concrete examples rather than general statements about 'developing cities' or 'large cities'. While the arguments are well-developed, the depth of analysis could be enhanced by exploring the interconnectedness of these issues more thoroughly in the body paragraphs. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand' and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two main arguments, and the conclusion. While the use of cohesive devices is effective, it is somewhat standard; incorporating a wider variety of linking phrases or more sophisticated referencing could elevate the flow further. The structure is clear and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for clear communication. The student uses some topic-specific terminology such as 'environmental degradation', 'flora and fauna', 'natural habitats', and 'cardiovascular diseases'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on fairly common collocations. To achieve a higher band, the student should aim to incorporate more precise, less common lexical items to demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language. For instance, instead of 'modernised', terms like 'urbanised' or 'industrialised' would be more contextually accurate. The spelling is accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. The student successfully uses complex sentences, such as 'For instance, severe air pollution and extreme weather conditions in large cities can cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and reduce people's quality of life.' Punctuation is used correctly. To improve, the student could experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional clauses or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over more sophisticated syntax.

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