Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-03

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)

It is undeniable that some individuals argue that the extinction of certain species of animals and plants is the most pressing environmental issue of our time. However, others believe that there are more critical environmental concerns that require immediate attention. While I understand the significance of species loss, I am more inclined to agree with the second viewpoint, as I believe our planet is facing a wide range of environmental threats that, if left unresolved, could drastically alter our future.

To commence with, the loss of species, particularly unique or endangered ones, is seen as a disaster that could severely disrupt ecosystems. Many people believe that protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining the balance of nature. For example, the near-extinction of the Persian cheetah, with only a few remaining in Iran, has sparked widespread concern and action. Numerous campaigns on social media are focused on fundraising and raising awareness to protect this endangered species. Advocates argue that the extinction of any species could result in irreversible ecological damage, as it is often incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to bring extinct species back.

Moreover, many people argue that other environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change, pose a greater threat to the planet. For instance, industrial waste being dumped into water bodies leads to the contamination of rivers and oceans, which harms marine life on a massive scale. Additionally, excessive carbon dioxide emissions from factories and vehicles contribute to global warming, which in turn affects weather patterns, agriculture, and wildlife habitats. Moreover, deforestation, driven by industrialization and consumer demand, not only reduces biodiversity but also decreases the planet's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, further exacerbating the problem of climate change.

In conclusion, while some people focus on the extinction of species as the most critical environmental issue, others, including myself, believe that broader issues such as pollution, climate change, and deforestation are of greater urgency. Both viewpoints highlight important concerns, but I believe a holistic approach is needed to address the wide range of environmental challenges we face today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both viewpoints—the importance of biodiversity and the urgency of broader environmental issues like climate change—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the Persian cheetah and the impact of industrial waste. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion by explicitly linking how the loss of species is actually a symptom of the broader issues you mentioned, creating a more integrated argument rather than treating them as separate categories.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To commence with,' 'Moreover,' and 'In conclusion,' which guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is easy to follow. The structure is well-managed, ensuring that the essay remains coherent from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'irreversible ecological damage,' 'exacerbating the problem,' and 'holistic approach' show a good command of academic language. There is an awareness of style and collocation, and the vocabulary is used accurately throughout the text. While the range is good, incorporating a few more sophisticated, less common lexical items or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current level is well-suited for the task and conveys your meaning clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('if left unresolved, could drastically alter') and participial phrases ('driven by industrialization and consumer demand'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The sentence structures are varied, which keeps the writing engaging. To achieve a higher score, ensure that you continue to experiment with more sophisticated sentence patterns while maintaining this high level of 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.