Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13

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 6.5)

As far as this topic is concerned, some people believe that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is the main environmental problem of our time. However, others argue that there are more important environmental problems. In my opinion, although the loss of species is a serious concern, climate change and pollution are more important issues.

On the one hand, the extinction of plants and animals can have serious effects on the natural environment. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. If some animals or plants disappear, it can affect other species and damage the food chain. Moreover, future generations may never have the opportunity to see these species. Therefore, protecting endangered plants and animals is essential.

On the other hand, there are several environmental problems that have a wider impact on human life. Climate change, air pollution and water pollution can affect millions of people around the world. For example, global warming can cause extreme weather, rising sea levels and problems in agriculture. Similarly, polluted air can cause serious health problems. Therefore, these issues should receive greater attention from governments and international organisations.

In conclusion, although the loss of particular species is an important environmental problem, I believe that climate change and pollution are more serious because they affect both humans and the natural world on a much larger scale.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—the loss of species as the main problem versus other environmental concerns—and presents a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are relevant, such as the mention that 'Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems' and that 'global warming can cause extreme weather'. However, the response is under-length, containing only 228 words against the required minimum of 250 words. This shortfall prevents full development of the arguments, keeping the task response limited. Consequently, the score is capped due to the length penalty.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical organisation. The response is appropriately divided into four paragraphs: an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. Referencing is generally clear, contributing to a coherent structure overall, matching the descriptor for a clear logical organisation.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms like 'extinction', 'ecosystems', 'food chain', 'global warming', and 'international organisations'. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, and word choices are generally appropriate and clear, such as 'main environmental problem' and 'wider impact on human life'. While the vocabulary is not particularly sophisticated or varied enough to reach higher bands, it is sufficient to communicate ideas without causing strain or difficulty for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Examples include conditional and concessive clauses such as 'If some animals or plants disappear, it can affect other species' and 'In conclusion, although the loss of particular species is an important environmental problem, I believe that...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Errors are very rare, meaning communication is never impeded, which reflects solid grammatical control.

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