Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-21

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)

Many individuals argue that depletion of our ecosystem is due to the extinction of specific species of flora and fauna while others argue that there are other urgent environmental problems. Although extinction of certain species has caused some negative impact on our ecosystem, I believe there are other matters that require our immediate attention.

Those who believe that current environmental problems are a direct result of extinction of specific wildlife and plants argue that certain natural events are due the result of extinction of those plants and animals. The main reason is that certain vegetation and wildlife are needed in specific areas to maintain their ecosystem and disturbance may raise serious concerns. For example, Thylacine a animal native to Tasmania has been extinct for some time that has caused ecological disruptions in the island. The loss of predators has left the place more vulnerable to ecological imbalances.

On the other hand, people who believe there are other problems of importance believe that tackling current problems can help mitigate the effects of extinction. This is because, focusing on problems at hand and solving them might have a lasting positive impact on environment rather than focusing on the past. For instance, bees are significant impact on pollination and as they travel long distances to collect nectar. This has a positive impact as it may aid in growth of new trees and flowers in various areas. I believe that this argument is more convincing because, currently there is a lack of research on how we can bring extinct vegetation and wildlife back to life, while there are several realistic approaches to save current environment.

In conclusion, although it is widespread belief that present environmental problems are due to loss of plants and animals is true, I believe that taking actions against current problems gains more priority as it it might be able to somewhat reduce the effects caused by the extinction of those vegetation and wildlife.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion. The first body paragraph discusses the impact of species extinction, while the second explores the alternative view regarding broader environmental issues. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. The example of the Thylacine is relevant, but the explanation of how bees relate to the argument about 'other problems' is slightly disjointed and lacks clarity. The position is consistent throughout, but the reasoning could be more deeply explored to reach a higher band. Overall, the task is addressed, but the depth of analysis is limited in places.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Those who believe', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing in the second body paragraph—specifically the link between bees and the broader environmental argument—is a bit abrupt. Despite these minor issues, the flow of the essay remains coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task. You use some topic-specific terms like 'ecosystem', 'extinction', 'flora and fauna', and 'ecological imbalances'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'depletion of our ecosystem is due to the extinction' (which is slightly imprecise) and 'bees are significant impact' (should be 'have a significant impact'). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your range of collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing would improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Thylacine a animal' (missing article), 'due the result of' (preposition error), and 'as it it might' (repetition). Additionally, some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'although it is widespread belief that present environmental problems are due to loss of plants and animals is true'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage would significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing.

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