Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-04

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 7.0)

Some people believe that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is the main environmental problem today, while others think that there are more important environmental issues. This essay will discuss both views. In my opinion, although the loss of species is a serious problem, issues such as climate change and pollution are more important.

On the one hand, the loss of plants and animals can have serious effects on the environment. Every species has an important role in nature, and the disappearance of one species can affect other living things. For example, if some insects become extinct, certain plants may not be pollinated properly. This can reduce the number of plants and affect animals that depend on them for food. In addition, extinct species cannot be brought back. Therefore, protecting endangered animals and plants is necessary to keep the natural environment healthy.

On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that have a much wider effect. Climate change, air pollution and deforestation can affect millions of people as well as animals and plants. For example, global warming can lead to higher temperatures, floods, droughts and rising sea levels. Air pollution can also cause serious health problems, especially for people living in large cities. Furthermore, cutting down forests destroys the homes of many animals and increases carbon emissions. These problems can affect whole countries and future generations.

In my opinion, the loss of species should be taken seriously, but climate change and pollution are more important because they have a wider impact on both humans and nature. In fact, these problems are closely connected, as deforestation can destroy animal habitats and also increase global warming.

In conclusion, the disappearance of particular plants and animals is a serious environmental issue. However, I believe that climate change, pollution and deforestation are more important because they affect the planet on a much larger scale.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task. You clearly discuss both perspectives—the importance of biodiversity loss and the significance of broader issues like climate change—and provide a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the explanation of how species loss affects ecosystems and how climate change has a wider impact. The argument is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific, real-world examples (e.g., mentioning a specific endangered species or a particular international climate agreement) to further strengthen the depth of your analysis.

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. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand,' 'In addition,' and 'Furthermore,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'disappearance of one species,' 'pollinated properly,' and 'wider impact' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning clearly, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items related to environmental science, such as 'ecological equilibrium,' 'mitigation strategies,' or 'anthropogenic factors.' The spelling is accurate throughout, and there are no significant word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good control of grammar. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the conditional sentence 'if some insects become extinct, certain plants may not be pollinated properly.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is generally correct. There are no major grammatical slips that cause confusion. To move toward a higher band, you could aim for a greater variety of complex structures, such as using more passive voice constructions or advanced relative clauses to add further sophistication to your writing.

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