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)
Some people argue that the main environmental problem of our generation is loss of particular species of plants and animals. Other defends that there are more important environmental problems. I do agree that main problem are loosing some species in plants and animals. Thus, this will be discussed in this essay.
Nowadays, some people think that the main environmental problem in current situation is loosing such important species in plants and animals.Flora like raffelesia and pineapple trees. Additionally, fauna like white tigers and lions are currently in this list. What problems will cause without these plants and animal ? " Animals like tiger, lions and leapords are carnivores they need some weak animals like deer and zebra by which they can fulfill their food needs". If carnivors can't find their food, they will die. Moreover, there are some plants which are very important for our environment beacuse they are used in various fields like for research, educational purpose and also for medicines too. Plants are the main source of food for animals like zebra, giraffe and bear. Morever,they are also used for skin cares also.
Other argue that there are more imporant environmental problems. Problems like pollutions, global warming and water contamination and so on. Firstly pollution is the primary environmental issue because many humans and other organisms are currently suffering from several disease like Asthma, breathing problems and so on. Secondly, global warming has also taken place. Currently many problems is currently facing by us like unpredictable weather, no rainfall and so on. Impure water is also a major environmental problem.
I do agree that main problem are loosing some species in plants and animals.
In conclusion, some believe that the main environmental issue loosing particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention the importance of biodiversity for medicine and food chains, the explanation is repetitive and lacks depth. The counter-argument regarding pollution and global warming is also presented in a list-like fashion rather than being fully explored. To improve, ensure that each point is supported by a clear explanation or a more specific example, rather than simply listing issues. Your position is consistent, but the conclusion is underdeveloped and merely restates the prompt without summarising the main arguments effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'Thus, this will be discussed' is a slightly unnatural way to introduce an essay. There is also a reliance on simple transition words like 'Firstly' and 'Secondly', and some sentences lack logical flow, such as the abrupt transition between discussing carnivores and the medicinal use of plants. Improving the use of referencing (e.g., using 'these' or 'such' more effectively) and varying your linking phrases would help the ideas progress more smoothly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. You frequently use the word 'problems' and 'important', which limits the sophistication of your writing. There are also several errors in word choice and form, such as 'loosing' instead of 'losing', 'Other defends' instead of 'Others argue', and 'skin cares'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to environmental science, such as 'ecosystem services', 'habitat destruction', or 'mitigation strategies', and ensure you are using the correct word forms consistently.
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 subject-verb agreement ('main problem are loosing'), incorrect article usage, and awkward phrasing ('many problems is currently facing by us'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of quotation marks and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading your work to correct basic subject-verb agreement and tense consistency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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