Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-04

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 6.0)

Loss of particular species of plants and animals has sparked considerable debate over the years. While some advocate that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals, other argue that there exists more important environmental challenges than this. This essay will consider both the perspectives before giving my own opinions.

On the one hand, those who advocate that loss of particular species is the main challenge faced in today's time put forward a compelling argument. Initially, the loss of particular species indicates that there are certain human practises which are detrimental to particular species of animals and plants such as hunting, air pollution and many more. Moreover, this shows that we need to work on the things affecting the overall the species on government level as well as on individual level. Nevertheless, this view fails to the situation when considering smog and the air pollution which is affecting human's health mainly.

On the other hand, proponents to of the view that there are more important environmental issues to consider first asserts that loss of particular species of animals and plants are not in our hands, however the most concerning environment issues to consider in the first place are the issues directly affecting human's life itself. Firstly, the smog which is due to the air pollution generated by manufacturing factories and industries. Consequently, humans are facing health challenges specially breathing problems and accidents on the highways due to smog. Furthermore, the hearing problems faced by humans in the early ages due to noise pollution. A prime example is the highest number of accidents recorded on the Lahore to Islamabad highway in Pakistan.

In conclusion, while both views have merit, I believe that we, on the individual level as well as on the government level should address the issues and problems faced primarily by humans and are detrimental to human's health. Subsequently, We as a community should work on the secondary problems that are endangering the existence of particular species of plants and animals. Ultimately, As a community, we are responsible for the environmental issues faced by all of us and we need to work on it as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—biodiversity loss versus broader environmental issues like pollution—and provides a clear personal opinion in the conclusion. However, certain ideas are more fully developed than others. While the arguments surrounding human-centric issues such as smog and health problems are supported with examples like the Lahore to Islamabad highway, the arguments for the opposing view regarding species loss are somewhat repetitive and remain under-developed, relying on general statements like 'human practises which are detrimental'. The position is evident throughout the essay, though the support for the first viewpoint lacks the depth and extension seen in the second body paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear, logical progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with distinct sections for each viewpoint. However, cohesion is at times mechanical or faulty. Transitional phrases such as 'Initially', 'Nevertheless', and 'Subsequently' are used, but referencing and logical links between sentences occasionally feel abrupt, such as the sudden shift in the first body paragraph where the text states 'this view fails to the situation'. Furthermore, referencing devices occasionally cause slight ambiguity in tracking ideas, placing the organisational structure firmly in the middle tier of effectiveness.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items such as 'detrimental', 'proponents', and 'manufacturing factories'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies in word choice, word form, and collocation. Examples include 'other argue' instead of 'others argue', 'human practises' instead of 'human practices', 'environment issues' instead of 'environmental issues', and 'hearing problems faced by humans in the early ages' where the intended meaning is unclear. Spelling and word choice errors occur, but they do not seriously impede communication, allowing the reader to grasp the core arguments despite the imprecise phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures such as subordinate clauses ('while both views have merit, I believe that...'). There are some errors in grammar and punctuation throughout the text, including article misuse ('the air pollution', 'the overall the species'), preposition errors ('proponents to of the view', 'on government level'), and awkward phrasing like 'fails to the situation'. Capitalisation errors also occur mid-sentence, as seen in 'Ultimately, As a community'. Despite these recurring issues, the structures remain generally functional, and the errors rarely impede overall communication or obscure the intended meaning of the sentences.

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