Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-27

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 argued by some that the extinction of specific flora and fauna constitutes the most critical environmental issue today, while others contend that different environmental challenges carry greater significance. While species loss threatens global biodiversity, I believe that broader systemic issues, particularly climate change, present a far more pressing threat as they drive biodiversity loss itself alongside widespread human crises.

On the one hand, proponents of biodiversity protection emphasize that every plant and animal species plays an irreplaceable role within its ecosystem. The eradication of key species can cause ecosystem collapse, triggering unpredictable ripple effects across entire food webs. For instance, the decline of essential pollinators like bees directly jeopardizes global agriculture and food security. Furthermore, many unique plant species hold untapped medicinal value, meaning their extinction deprives humanity of potential cures for critical diseases. Thus, preserving individual species is vital for maintaining ecological balance and natural resources.

On the other hand, many argue that systemic environmental crises pose a far greater threat to planetary stability. Global warming, widespread industrial pollution, and deforestation affect entire ecosystems rather than isolated organisms. Climate change, in particular, causes rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and severe resource scarcity, directly endangering human populations worldwide. More importantly, it acts as a primary catalyst for species extinction in the first place; as habitats are destroyed by temperature shifts or land clearing, countess species are displaced or killed. Addressing overarching issues like climate change therefore tackles the root cause of environmental decay rather than merely treating its symptoms.

In conclusion, while the loss of specific species carries grave consequences for ecological diversity, I maintain that global climate change and widespread pollution represent far more urgent threats. Tackling these broader systemic problems is essential, as doing so simultaneously safeguards natural habitats and ensures the long-term survival of both wildlife and human society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on environmental problems and clearly presenting a well-developed personal opinion. In the introduction, the writer establishes a clear position that broader systemic issues like climate change present a more pressing threat. Body paragraph one thoroughly explores the view that species loss is critical, providing relevant examples such as pollinators like bees and untapped medicinal plants. Body paragraph two equally details the alternative perspective, arguing that systemic challenges like global warming are primary catalysts for biodiversity loss itself. The arguments are extended and supported logically throughout the essay, demonstrating a high level of task response that aligns well with the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. The essay is divided into appropriate paragraphs, each focusing on a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are managed well to guide the reader through the argumentation. Referencing is clear and unambiguous throughout the text. While paragraphing and transitions are skillfully handled, occasional slight tightness in mechanical linking keeps this at a solid Band 7 or 8 level; overall, the logical flow and cohesive management fit comfortably within Band 7.5, rounding appropriately to Band 8 given the smooth integration of opposing viewpoints.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'flora and fauna', 'ecosystem collapse', 'untapped medicinal value', and 'primary catalyst'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for instance in 'triggering unpredictable ripple effects' and 'overarching issues'. There are only occasional minor limitations or slips, which do not detract from the clarity of the argument. The vocabulary supports sophisticated academic discourse, warranting a strong Band 8 score for lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex forms involving participial phrases and subordinate clauses are handled with confidence, as seen in 'While species loss threatens global biodiversity, I believe that...' and 'as habitats are destroyed by temperature shifts or land clearing, countless species are displaced or killed.' Punctuation is accurate, and grammatical control is maintained throughout. There are only very occasional minor slips or inappropriacies, placing the performance firmly in the Band 8 category for grammatical range and accuracy.

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