Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-22

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 5.0)

Some people argue that the biggest environmental challenge is the decline of rare species of environments habitats while, others argue that environment pollution, illegal constructions are more crucial. I believe that paying attention to avoid the pollution and unauthorized constructions would help to mitigate the environmental problems.

Human activities caused enormous loss to eco-system. Deforestation is a tread to the environment. Due to the forest clearing many of the plants and animals had lost their habitats. As an example, in Sri Lanka there is a huge loss of native animals because clearing of the forests like Vilpaththu and Yala and also the rare plants specifically, medicine plants has become vanished from the earth.

On the other hand, environmental pollution and

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response is significantly under the required word count of 250 words, reaching only 120 words. Furthermore, the essay is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence. Because the response is unfinished, it fails to address all parts of the task; the second viewpoint is introduced but not discussed, and the conclusion is missing. While the introduction presents a clear position, the lack of development and the failure to complete the task significantly impact the score. To improve, you must ensure you write at least 250 words and provide a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before concluding.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay shows some attempt at logical organization with an introduction and a body paragraph. However, because the text is incomplete, the overall progression is severely hindered. Cohesive devices are used in a basic way, such as 'On the other hand', but the abrupt ending prevents the establishment of a coherent structure. Paragraphing is present, but the lack of a full essay structure makes it difficult to assess the flow of ideas effectively. To improve, focus on completing your arguments and using a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for basic communication but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. There are some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'medicine plants has become vanished' (should be 'medicinal plants have vanished') and 'tread to the environment' (likely meant 'threat'). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on simple descriptors. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic terminology related to environmental issues and ensure correct word forms are used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity, such as 'the clearing of the forests like Vilpaththu and Yala and also the rare plants specifically, medicine plants has become vanished'. Subject-verb agreement and article usage are inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors is high for the limited amount of text produced. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring your sentences are complete and grammatically sound.

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

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