Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-16

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)

Their are differing views on whether the main reason of environmental problems is due to the deplection of certain flora and fauna or their might be other essential reasons for the environmental issues. Although, the rising loss of particular species of flora and fauna affect the well-being of environmental balance, but their are other vital aspects that are somehow affecting the environmental problems. My stance on both views and opinion are discussed below.

Intially, the rising deplection of certain animals and plants species are damaging the homeostasis of the environment. Due to industralisation removing of forest is affecting the ecosystem by rising the level of carbon in the environment. However, beacuse of the increased carbon level in the atmosphere it is leading to global warming. For instance, due to global warming water-bodies are affected, increase temperature and more heat waves particularly leading to skin cancer and sun-burns.

Moreover, the other reasons for environmental issues are due to pollution. Increased use of vehicles, plastics, fuels, electronics are leading to air pollution. Industrial wastes and waste dumping in water- bodies are leading to water pollution. Overuse of fossil fuels and natural resources are leading to scarcity. Because of pollution their has been rising concern with the environmental problems and balance of ecosystem. For instance, due to pollution it will affect environment making it vulnerable for other species to live and decrease their contribution to the environment.

In conclusion, although the extinction of various species of plants and animals are affecting the environment, I believe the main reason for the deplections of such species is due to the other reasons making it very difficult for their living and ultimately leading to various issues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views: the first body paragraph links species loss to ecosystem disruption, while the second discusses pollution, resource scarcity and other environmental pressures. Your conclusion also gives a position, arguing that broader environmental causes make it difficult for species to survive. However, the discussion is only partly developed. The first paragraph shifts from species loss to deforestation, carbon and global warming without clearly explaining how these examples establish that species loss is the main problem. The second view is broader, but its examples are listed rather than compared in importance. Make your opinion explicit in the introduction and develop each view with a clear explanation and a specific, relevant example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure, with an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting the views, and a conclusion. Paragraphing helps the reader follow the main stages of the discussion, and signposts such as “Moreover” and “In conclusion” indicate progression. However, some connections are mechanical or unclear. The opening sentence is difficult to follow, and “Although … but” creates an awkward link. Within the first body paragraph, the move from species loss to forest removal and then to skin cancer is not sufficiently explained. References such as “their” in “their contribution” also make it unclear whether you mean species or the environment. Use clearer topic sentences and connect each example explicitly to the point it supports.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “flora and fauna,” “ecosystem,” “global warming,” “fossil fuels” and “scarcity.” These terms help communicate the environmental focus, and attempts such as “homeostasis” show ambition. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, including “main reason of environmental problems,” “rising depletion,” and “increased carbon level.” Spelling errors such as “deplection,” “industralisation” and “beacuse” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise, natural combinations rather than more technical-sounding words: for example, say “the loss of species” or “the depletion of natural resources.” Proofreading spelling and checking collocations would make your ideas clearer and more fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including a concessive opening (“Although…”) and cause-and-effect clauses beginning with “Due to” and “Because of.” However, complex structures are often faulty, and errors sometimes make relationships between ideas difficult to follow. For example, “Although … but” uses two contrasting markers where one is needed, while “their are” should be “there are.” Subject–verb agreement is also inconsistent in “species … are damaging” and “it will affect environment.” Articles and sentence construction need attention in phrases such as “affecting the well-being of environmental balance.” Practise building shorter, accurate sentences first, then combine them with one clear subordinate clause; check agreement, articles and punctuation during revision.

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