Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Many argue that the extinction of some specific trees and animals can harm the environment, because the reduction of species can result in environmental pollution by increasing CO2 in the nature. However, I believe there are other causes that harm environment, for example water pollution contributing in rising the water level in the sea.

Animal and plant varieties are essential in nature as they all play different roles in keeping the environment clean. But if animals and trees go extinct nature witnesses an imbalance. A classic example would be, in recent years the number of tigers in the Sundarban forest have decreased, as a result the animals like deer and other herbivorous animals that were consumed by tigers now have increased significantly. By the increase of these animals, the forest is rapidly losing the number of plants which results in more carbon emission in nature causing environmental pollution because trees reduce CO2.

In contrast, I think there are other causes of environmental problems. Due to the increasing temperature the ice in the north pole is melting towards the sea causing the water level to rise. Additionally, trash and dirty fuel that are thrown into the sea by ships or individuals are piling up causing water pollution as well. All these reasons damage the ecosystem and risk several countries' landscapes. For instance, scientists recently studied that half of Bangladesh will be drown into the ocean by the end of 2050. If water pollution and sea level rising is drowning lands, that means it's a massive risk for the other countries that are close to the ocean as well.

In conclusion, it is obvious that the reduction of various tree species and animals is harmful for the environment but I think that water pollution and water level rising are more serious, as many countries can go under the sea in the near future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses the task effectively by discussing both views on environmental problems and providing the writer's own opinion. The argument regarding species extinction and its effects on ecosystems is clear, but the focus sometimes shifts away from the primary question, leaning more towards water pollution. Additionally, some examples, like the impact of tiger extinction, could be better linked to broader environmental issues. More varied examples would strengthen the discussion further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The organization of the essay is generally logical, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. However, transitions between ideas could be smoother, such as the shift from discussing species extinction to water pollution. The concluding paragraph summarizes the writer's opinion but could better reflect the nuances of both views discussed. Consistent use of linking phrases (e.g., 'Moreover', 'On the other hand') would enhance coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The lexical resource is appropriate for the task, with vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as 'extinction,' 'imbalance,' and 'pollution.' However, there are instances of imprecise word choices, such as 'harm for the environment,' which should be 'harmful to the environment.' More varied and precise vocabulary would enhance the overall impression, capturing the complexity of environmental issues more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The grammatical range includes a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating adequate control. Some errors appear, such as verb tenses (e.g., 'have decreased' should be 'have been decreasing') and singular/plural forms (e.g., 'half of Bangladesh will be drown' should be 'drowned'). While these errors do not significantly impact overall understanding, reducing their frequency will improve the academic style.

Overall feedback

The essay presents a clear argument regarding the significance of environmental issues, specifically the loss of species versus pollution. Strong points include the awareness of the balance in ecosystems and relevant examples illustrating the arguments. To enhance your writing further, focus on improving coherence by using more transition phrases to connect ideas and ensure each point is tightly linked to the central argument. Additionally, aim to vary your vocabulary more and ensure grammatical accuracy, particularly with verb tenses and noun forms, to boost overall clarity and professionalism in your writing.

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