Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-23

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)

It is true that environmental problems are arising simultaneously with infrastructural developments. As a result, a variety of animals and rare plants are in danger of extinction, which has raised concern among some people, while some believe there are more crucial environmental issues to be concerned about. In my opinion, we should maintain a balance between developmental activities and preserving nature.

On the one hand, one of the main environmental problems of the present day is considered to be the decreased number of particular species of plants and animals because they play a crucial role in balancing ecosystems. They tend to lose their habitat due to urbanization and industrialization. An increased number of developmental activities tends to cause problems such as global warming, air pollution, water pollution, and so on. For instance, the snow leopard, Himalayan yak, penguins, and other Arctic animals are on the verge of extinction due to rapid snow melting, as they cannot survive the harsh environment. These issues are altering their life cycle and resulting in a loss of habitat. Therefore, the government should protect such endangered plants and animals.

On the other hand, some people firmly believe that there are more vital challenges to be discussed, aside from plants and animals. First and foremost is the climate change resulting from global warming. It has caused several types of disasters such as flash floods, avalanches, soil erosion, landslides, and so on. It has affected human settlements, their property, and public infrastructure. It has a negative impact on national revenue and development. For instance, Nepal faced a serious flash flood due to the outburst of a glacier where hundreds of people lost their lives, property, and loved ones. Therefore, governments should mainly focus on overcoming these issues and conducting awareness programmes.

In conclusion, although it is important to conserve rare plants and animals, I firmly believe it is better to conserve the environment first. Conserving the environment and conducting awareness programmes about the environment will be beneficial for both human beings and nature.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task. The student discusses both views—that the loss of specific species is the main environmental problem, and that there are more important issues such as climate change—and provides a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning the snow leopard, Himalayan yak, and the flash flood in Nepal. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the body paragraphs discussing the two views, and finishing with a cohesive conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'First and foremost', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed appropriately, resulting in a well-structured text that achieves a Band 7.0 for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, such as 'infrastructure developments', 'urbanization and industrialization', 'endangered', and 'ecosystems'. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'verge of extinction', 'national revenue'). Although there are occasional slightly repetitive structures or common vocabulary choices, the lexical resource is adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, fitting the Band 6.5 to 7.0 descriptor. A score of 6.5 is awarded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and conditional-like contexts effectively (e.g., 'As a result, a variety of animals and rare plants are in danger of extinction, which has raised concern...'). There is a good degree of control over grammar and punctuation. While there are a few minor awkward phrasing instances, frequent error-free sentences are produced and communication is never impeded. This demonstrates solid control consistent with a Band 7.0.

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