Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-26

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 ancient times, there were no such environmental problems and we have enough forests around us. Nowadays, if we take a look at today's environment then I am very depressed with the condition of our earth today and the condition is getting worsen day by day. However, some people argue that loss of particular species of animals and plants is the major problem, while some says that there are many more environmental problems that are more important. In this essay I am going to discuss both the statements and give my personal opinion in conclusion.

To commence, there is no denying that some species of plants and animals are disappearing slowly and we are doing nothing to save them. Several species of animal like mammals, birds, tiger etc, are becoming rare. To tackle this problem we can so such things like making animal reserve forests and planting sapling in empty land or in forests. Government should pass bill regarding animal killing and deforestation and empose heavy penalties on invaders.

On the other hand, some believe that there are more important environmental issues apart form decrease in animal and plant species. If we mention some major problem, the major problem is increasing air pollution. Nowadays, everyone is using cars, bikes, buses and other vehicles to commute and they majorly run on fossil fuels, they cause a lot of pollution and due to increased pollution the temperature of earth is rising and climate is changing. This rising pollution is also causing many health problems like asthama and skin cancer.

In conclusion, I would like to say that animals and plants species are very important to save but we cannot forget other environmental challenges that we are facing. We need to save fossil fule for next generation and we should opt for greener alternatives.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both views and provides a personal opinion, meeting the basic requirements of the prompt. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention biodiversity loss and air pollution, the arguments lack depth and specific supporting evidence. For instance, the suggestion to 'plant sapling in empty land' is a bit simplistic for an academic essay. To reach a higher band, ensure that your arguments are more fully extended with clear explanations and concrete examples. Your position is clear, but the overall analysis remains at a surface level throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. You use basic cohesive devices like 'To commence', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' to signal the structure. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing could be more sophisticated. For example, the transition between the introduction and the first body paragraph is abrupt. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the progression of ideas within paragraphs is smoother and more cohesive.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. You rely on common terms like 'environmental problems' and 'major problem' repeatedly. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'empose heavy penalties' (impose) and 'fossil fule' (fossil fuel). To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific vocabulary related to environmental science and ensure accurate spelling of key terms. Using more precise synonyms would help elevate the quality of your writing.

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 affect readability. Examples include 'some says' (some say), 'condition is getting worsen' (getting worse), and 'apart form' (apart from). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and verb forms will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.