Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-30

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)

Some people argue that the extinction of particular species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem facing the world today. Others, however, believe that there are more pressing environmental concerns. While the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a major issue, I believe that broader problems such as climate change and pollution pose a greater threat because of their far-reaching consequences.

On the one hand, the disappearance of plant and animal species can have serious consequences for the environment. Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem, so the loss of one can affect many others. For example, the decline of bees and other pollinating insects can reduce the reproduction of plants and ultimately affect food production. Moreover, once a species becomes extinct, it cannot be brought back, meaning that the loss is permanent. This is particularly concerning when human activities such as deforestation, overfishing and illegal hunting are responsible for the decline of wildlife. From this perspective, protecting endangered species is essential not only for preserving biodiversity but also for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are environmental problems that affect a much wider proportion of the world's population. Climate change, for instance, is already contributing to rising temperatures, extreme weather events, droughts and rising sea levels. These changes can damage ecosystems while also threatening human health, agriculture and access to water. Similarly, air and water pollution can affect millions of people directly, particularly in densely populated cities and industrial areas. Unlike the loss of a particular species, which may initially appear to be a localised problem, these issues can spread across national borders and affect entire regions.

In my view, although the extinction of species deserves considerable attention, climate change and widespread pollution should be regarded as more urgent environmental challenges. This is because they can simultaneously contribute to biodiversity loss and create serious risks for human societies. Addressing these larger problems could therefore help tackle several environmental issues at the same time.

In conclusion, the loss of plants and animals is a significant environmental concern because it damages ecosystems and is often irreversible. Nevertheless, I believe that problems such as climate change and pollution are more pressing due to the scale of their effects on both the natural world and human life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both views—the loss of specific species and broader environmental problems—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout the essay. The position is stated clearly in the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. Ideas are well developed with relevant examples, such as the decline of bees affecting food production and the impacts of climate change on rising sea levels and extreme weather. The response covers all requirements thoroughly, earning a strong band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced, and there is a clear progression throughout the essay. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, with clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each perspective, a perspective-weighing paragraph, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'In my view' are used effectively and without being mechanical. Referencing and substitution are well managed, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are clear to the reader at all times.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'extinction of species', 'biodiversity', 'ecosystem', 'deforestation', and 'far-reaching consequences'. Word choice is generally precise and appropriate, with only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are completely accurate throughout the entire response, showing strong control over vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student uses a wide range of complex grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participle phrases, such as 'While the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a major issue, I believe that...' and 'This is particularly concerning when human activities... are responsible for...'. Punctuation is used accurately, and grammatical errors are virtually nonexistent, reflecting an exceptionally strong command of English grammar.

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