Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-20

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)

The ratio of environmental problem is increasing incredibly in our time. It is mostly due to the negligence of humans. They are immoral and unethical.

The main environmental problem of our time is loss of particular species of plants and animals. It is because of deforestation either for furniture or for construction purposes. We have lost a lot of particular species of plants and animals as indus dolphin; it is an endangered specie and will become extinct in a decade.

Some people also say that there are other environmental problems are also present except extinction of particular plants and animals. They are such as air pollution, soil erosion and agricultural effects. There is an excessive raise in air pollution in the last decade as use of vehicles increased due to which many health problems related to respiration has also taken place. As industrial development is increasing globally, it's causing severe effects on agriculture. Plants do grow effectively. They need fertilizers and other chemicals for their proper growth and nutrition. It's because of harmful smoke and water emitted by industries.

In my opinion, people have lost interest in nature. They don't give nature the value or worth it deserves. They have become machines. The environmental problems are growing rapidly because of humans as they don't look after the plants, they just want to win in the race of urbanization, they don't care even if they lose their healthy environment in this race. We all should take care of plants, avoid contagious hunting, use bicycles instead of environment polluting cars.

I will sum up by saying that the inhabitants are the one who make up an environment so it's their first and foremost duty too to look after it. If we take care of it, the ratio of environmental problem would decrease too.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both views and provides a personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For instance, the argument regarding the loss of species is supported by a single example (the Indus dolphin), but the explanation of why this is the 'main' problem is limited. Similarly, the discussion of other environmental issues lacks depth, relying on general statements about pollution and agriculture. The opinion is clear but could be better integrated into the overall structure rather than appearing as a separate paragraph. To improve, ensure that each point is supported by more detailed reasoning or specific evidence to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 7 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition between the discussion of species loss and other environmental problems is abrupt. Some sentences lack clear logical links, such as the transition from industrial development to the need for fertilizers. While the overall arrangement is coherent, the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and better referencing to connect ideas more fluidly throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'ratio of environmental problem' (which is not a natural collocation) and 'contagious hunting' (which is likely a misuse of the word 'contagious'). The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise academic vocabulary and collocations, such as 'biodiversity loss' instead of 'loss of particular species' and 'sustainable practices' instead of 'look after the plants'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'there are other environmental problems are also present' (double verb structure) and 'respiration has also taken place' (awkward phrasing). There are also issues with article usage and pluralisation, such as 'indus dolphin' (should be 'the Indus dolphin') and 'specie' (should be 'species'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from achieving a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence construction will be beneficial.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.