Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-02
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 5.0)
Environmental issues are a widely discussed topic in recent years. Some may think that the extinction of particular plants and animals is a major threat to us. Some may be concerned about other environmental issues. I am also particularly concerned about global warming more than the loss of specific plants and animals.
Scientists say that many species of plants and animals have already gone extinct. Many of them are going to be endangered. Undoubtedly, this is a great loss for us. Biodiversity on Earth is negatively affected by many man-made and natural environmental disturbances. Many plants with nutritious and medicinal properties no longer exist on Earth. Besides, many beneficial birds and insects for agriculture have also gone extinct. All of these have a negative impact on our ecosystem and human life as well.
However, as far as I am concerned, global warming is the most deteriorate
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
The response responds to the task only minimally, primarily because the length requirement is not met, with the text ending abruptly at 146 words, well short of the 250-word minimum. The student manages to introduce both views regarding environmental problems and attempts to state an opinion, mentioning both the loss of species and global warming. However, due to the severe lack of length, the ideas remain very limited and under-developed. To achieve a higher band, the writer must fully develop their arguments for both sides, discuss the implications thoroughly, and ensure the essay meets the required word count.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
There is some organisation present in the response, with basic paragraphing introduced to separate the introduction and the body paragraph. However, there is no clear overall progression because the essay cuts off mid-sentence in the final section. Cohesive devices are basic and somewhat repetitive, such as using 'Many of them' and 'Besides' without creating a smooth, logical flow across a complete argument. To improve, the writer needs to structure a complete essay with a clear conclusion, using a wider variety of cohesive devices to link ideas logically from one paragraph to the next.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The lexical resource is limited but minimally adequate for basic communication, demonstrating vocabulary such as 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'ecosystem', and 'medicinal properties'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'most deteriorate' at the end of the text, and awkward collocations like 'beneficial birds and insects for agriculture'. Spelling and word formation are generally acceptable, but the lack of range and precision restricts the score. To progress, the writer should incorporate less common lexical items and ensure accurate word forms and collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student displays a limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple and basic complex forms, such as 'Scientists say that many species of plants and animals have already gone extinct.' There are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, particularly in incomplete thoughts and incorrect word forms functioning within grammatical patterns, which can cause some difficulty for the reader. The text also cuts off entirely. To reach a higher band, the writer needs to produce a greater variety of complex structures with higher accuracy, maintaining control over verb tenses, articles, and sentence completion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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