Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-31

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 7.5)

Environmental issues have become a major concern worldwide. Some people believe that the disappearance of certain species of plants and animals is the most serious problem, while others argue that issues such as climate change and pollution are more pressing. Although the loss of biodiversity is alarming, I believe that broader environmental problems deserve greater attention because they affect both ecosystems and human life on a global scale.

On the one hand, the extinction of species is a significant issue. Every plant and animal plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance. The loss of a particular species can disrupt food chains and reduce biodiversity, which may eventually threaten other species as well. For example, the decline in bee populations has raised concerns because bees are essential for pollinating crops and maintaining agricultural productivity. Therefore, protecting endangered species is crucial for preserving healthy ecosystems.

On the other hand, many people consider climate change, pollution and deforestation to be even more serious. These problems have far-reaching consequences, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events and health risks caused by contaminated air and water. Moreover, they are often the underlying causes of species extinction. For instance, global warming destroys natural habitats and forces many animals to migrate or face extinction. Addressing these broader issues can therefore help protect both humans and wildlife.

In conclusion, although the loss of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a serious concern, I believe that larger environmental challenges such as climate change and pollution are more important because they have wider impacts and contribute directly to biodiversity loss.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly discuss both views—the importance of species loss versus broader environmental issues like climate change—and provide a consistent, well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are logically developed, such as the link between bee populations and agricultural productivity, and the argument that climate change acts as a catalyst for extinction. The position is clear from the introduction through to the conclusion, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a balanced yet decisive perspective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organised with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover'. The paragraphing is logical, and the flow of ideas is easy to follow. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader understands the relationship between the broader environmental problems and their specific impacts on biodiversity. The structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Terms such as 'biodiversity', 'ecological balance', 'agricultural productivity', and 'far-reaching consequences' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the topic well, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic phrases to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is natural and effectively communicates your arguments without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('if...') and subordinate clauses ('Although...', 'because...'), with high accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. This level of accuracy and structural variety is indicative of a strong command of English grammar.

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