Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-01
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 5.5)
Some people consider that the loss of species of plants and animal is biggest ecosystem problem of this generation because extinction of even one species poses threat to food chain. However, others believe that there are many more vital environmental issues such as climate change which is a direct threat to human life. I believe that other threats to environment such as pollution is harmful for both human life and this also contributes in extinction of species.
On the one hand, decline in biodiversity is harmful for environment. This effects food chain. Every species is equally essential in food chain. For example, if bees disappear, this will not only effect the food chain but also crops won't be pollinated. Furthermore, extinction is permanent.
On the other hand, climate change had a big role in environment because it effects human life directly, and this is also the reason for extinction of species. Rising temperatures destroys habitats and polluted water and air causes illnesses. For example, incresing pollution in big cities leads to a rise in illnesses. Furthermore, floods caused by climate change destroys habitats and harms the wildlife. Controlling the climate will automatically reduce the chances of species loss.
In conclusion, while extinction of wildlife effects the food chain, climate change is not only a threat to human life but also for wildlife as it effects the wildelife by floods. In my opinion, focusing on climate change will be more beneficial.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the loss of species and climate change while presenting a personal opinion. However, some ideas are under-developed. For instance, the discussion on how bees affect crops is relevant but remains brief, and the overall elaboration of the two views lacks sufficient depth to reach a higher band. Furthermore, the response is 240 words long, thus failing to meet the minimum length requirement of 250 words, which impacts the overall task completion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph-by-paragraph structure that separates the two views and the conclusion. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical, relying on repetitive transitional markers like 'Furthermore' and basic referencing words such as 'this' without always making the referent entirely clear. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, but the progression between ideas could be smoother to guide the reader more effectively through the argument.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The writer uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'biodiversity' and 'ecosystem problem'. However, there are noticeable vocabulary and spelling errors, such as 'effects' instead of 'affects', 'incresing' instead of 'increasing', and 'wildelife' instead of 'wildlife'. These minor lexical slips and occasional inaccuracies in word choice do not severely impede communication, but they reflect a limited and minimally adequate lexical range.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a limited range of structures, using a mix of simple sentences and basic complex forms. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and article usage, such as 'loss of species of plants and animal' missing necessary pluralisation and articles, and 'climate change had a big role' featuring incorrect tense usage. Attempts at complex sentences are occasionally faulty, and these persistent errors cause some minor difficulty for the reader throughout the text.
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