Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-25

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)

In contemporary world, forests which are ultimate habitat of different plants and animals are cutting down for various purposes. Some argue that main environmental problem of our time is loss of particular species of plants and animals. while others believe that there are more vital environmental problems. This essay will discus both views before explaining why more emphasis should be given to other issues.

On the one hand, group of individuals consider diminishing of certain species of different animals and plants are most essential challenge. In a modern era, cutting down of trees and converting forests in to a developed city, is a major cause of loss of many living things. However these species are good for ecosystem and for competition for different organisms badly effected by pollutant activities. even though some species are now consider as extinct.

On the other hand, individuals place a greater emphasis on other issues associated with environmental problems. For instance, motor vehicles emitting carbondioxiode in air, polluting the environment and in response green house gases are effecting. Therefore temperature of the world rising gradually. Moreover using plastic and instead of disposing, throwing in sea also effect the watery-life. In a nut shell all these activities steadily not just affecting some animals or plants but also influence human life and in result air quality effects badly.

In my opinion, although some animals and plants are now the direct victim of environment problems, but the major issue are those which destroys the living environment for all the organisms, specially human beings because of different activities resulting as a pollution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The essay addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention the loss of species and pollution, the arguments lack depth and specific examples. For instance, you mention 'motor vehicles' and 'plastic' but do not fully explain how these compare in severity to the loss of biodiversity. To improve, ensure that each point is supported by a clear explanation or a concrete example that directly relates to the prompt. The conclusion is present but could be more robust in summarizing the main points of the discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover'. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and there are instances where the logical progression is slightly disjointed, such as in the second paragraph where the transition between deforestation and the impact on organisms is abrupt. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will help achieve a higher score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'watery-life' instead of 'marine life' or 'pollutant activities' instead of 'pollution'. Additionally, there are spelling errors like 'carbondioxiode' and 'discus'. To improve, focus on learning collocations and using more academic vocabulary. Avoid repeating basic words and try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms to express your ideas more clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include missing articles (e.g., 'In contemporary world'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'are cutting down' instead of 'are being cut down'), and subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'major issue are those'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically passive voice and article usage, and proofread your work to catch minor slips that affect the overall accuracy of your writing.

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