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)

The loss of particular species of plants and animals is widely regarded as the most serious environmental issue facing the world today. However, others argue that problems such as climate change, pollution and resource depletion are more pressing. Although the extinction of species is undoubtedly a major concern, I believe that broader environmental problems, particularly climate change, pose a greater overall threat.

On the one hand, the disappearance of plant and animal species can have severe consequences for ecosystems. Every species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance, and the removal of one species can disrupt food chains and damage other organisms. For example, the extinction of bees and other pollinators could significantly reduce the reproduction of many plants, potentially affecting food production. Furthermore, once a species becomes extinct, it cannot be restored naturally. For this reason, protecting endangered species is essential for preserving biodiversity and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are environmental problems that affect a much wider range of species as well as human societies. Climate change, for instance, is causing rising temperatures, melting glaciers, rising sea levels and increasingly extreme weather events. These effects are not restricted to particular animals or plants; they can threaten entire ecosystems and millions of people. Similarly, air and water pollution can cause widespread health problems and contaminate the natural resources on which both humans and wildlife depend. Consequently, tackling these larger-scale issues could also help prevent the loss of numerous species.

In my view, while biodiversity loss deserves urgent attention, climate change and environmental pollution are more important priorities because they are often underlying causes of species decline. Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, limiting pollution and promoting sustainable use of natural resources would therefore address several environmental problems simultaneously, including the extinction of species.

In conclusion, the loss of individual species can seriously damage ecosystems, but I believe that wider problems such as climate change and pollution are more significant because of their far-reaching consequences. Governments and individuals should therefore adopt sustainable practices to tackle these issues before their effects become irreversible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the importance of species extinction and the argument for broader environmental issues like climate change—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the logical link between climate change as an 'underlying cause' of biodiversity loss. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the argument, and the supporting points are relevant and logically extended. The response demonstrates a clear understanding of the prompt's requirements, providing a balanced discussion that leads naturally to a well-supported opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical and effective. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between the ideas is always clear, which makes the essay very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. You use precise terms such as 'ecological balance', 'resource depletion', 'pollinators', and 'irreversible' with ease. The collocations are natural and accurate, such as 'pose a greater overall threat' and 'far-reaching consequences'. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with a high level of sophistication, which contributes to the clarity and impact of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as conditional structures and relative clauses (e.g., '...on which both humans and wildlife depend'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout. The writing is fluent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication.

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