Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some people argue that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem of our time, while others believe that issues such as climate change and desertification are more significant. I believe that biodiversity loss is the most pressing concern because it can destabilise entire ecosystems and ultimately threaten human survival.

Plants and animals are essential components of ecosystems, and the disappearance of individual species can disrupt food chains and ecological balance. Humans, for example, depend on plants and animals for food, while vegetation also plays a vital role in maintaining air quality and providing raw materials for numerous industries. If large numbers of species become extinct, food production could be severely affected, and ecosystems could lose their ability to perform essential functions. The extinction of pollinating insects, for instance, could reduce the reproduction of many crops and consequently threaten food security.

Admittedly, other environmental problems, particularly climate change and desertification, can have extremely serious consequences. Climate change can cause rising temperatures, extreme weather and changes in rainfall patterns, while desertification can make agricultural land increasingly unproductive and threaten the livelihoods of communities that depend on farming. Nevertheless, these problems are closely interconnected with biodiversity loss. Rising temperatures and the degradation of natural habitats can accelerate the disappearance of species, while the loss of vegetation can, in turn, worsen soil degradation and climate-related problems.

In conclusion, although climate change and desertification are undoubtedly major environmental challenges, I consider the loss of plant and animal species to be the most fundamental problem because biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting human life. Therefore, protecting species and their habitats should be a central priority of environmental policy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly presented both viewpoints regarding environmental priorities and provided a well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are logically developed, particularly the argument linking biodiversity loss to ecosystem stability and human survival. The comparison between biodiversity loss and other issues like climate change is balanced and insightful. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The response is well-structured and demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt's requirements, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the discussion of biodiversity and the counter-argument regarding climate change is smooth. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Admittedly', 'Nevertheless', and 'consequently', which help to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, which is characteristic of high-level writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. You use precise, topic-specific terminology such as 'destabilise', 'ecological balance', 'pollinating insects', and 'degradation of natural habitats'. The word choices are accurate and contribute to a sophisticated tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey complex ideas with precision, which indicates a strong command of the language. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as conditional structures ('If large numbers of species become extinct...') and subordinate clauses ('...while the loss of vegetation can, in turn, worsen...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The variety of structures used, including passive voice and complex noun phrases, demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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