Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-02

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)

Nowadays, environmental problems are increasing significantly. Some people consider that the primary environmental issue of our time is the disappearance of certain species of flora and fauna, while others believe there are more pressing environmental issues. This essay will discuss both views before concluding that other environmental problems are of greater concern.

To begin with, climate change arguably poses a far greater threat than the loss of individual species as it affects the entire planet's weather patterns, agriculture, and sea levels. In addition, the growing use of fossil fuels and appliances such as air conditioners has significantly worsened air pollution, which directly threatens human health. Furthermore, industrial waste is often released into the environment with little consequence as government regulations remain too weak to enforce proper control. For instance, many rivers located near industrial zones have become severely contaminated due to inadequate waste management policies.

On the other hand, some believe that species loss is the biggest environmental issue of all. This is because construction and habitat destruction have driven many plants and animals toward extinction. For example, cutting down forests for housing and farming has greatly reduced the population of several endangered species.

In conclusion, although species loss is a real concern, I believe that issues like climate change, air pollution, and poor waste management are far more serious. These problems affect human health and the environment on a much larger scale than the loss of individual species. In the future, governments should introduce stronger policies to tackle these more urgent challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is consistent throughout the essay. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While the arguments for climate change and species loss are relevant, they are presented in a rather brief manner. To reach a higher band, the essay would benefit from more in-depth exploration of the consequences or specific, nuanced examples. For instance, the mention of 'industrial waste' is a good point, but it could be linked more explicitly to the comparative argument regarding the severity of environmental threats.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is handled effectively using phrases like 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'To begin with', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow of information is smooth, and the reader can easily follow the writer's line of reasoning from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses topic-specific terms such as 'flora and fauna', 'habitat destruction', 'endangered species', and 'contaminated'. While the range is adequate, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a higher band score. The word choices are generally accurate, and there are no significant errors in collocation or spelling that impede communication. The language is functional and clear, meeting the requirements for a solid band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of subordinate clauses in 'although species loss is a real concern, I believe that...'. The grammar is largely accurate, with only very minor slips, and punctuation is handled correctly. The majority of sentences are error-free, which indicates a high level of control. The range of structures is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively without any ambiguity.

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

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