Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-28
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)
Over the past few years, a considerable increase has been seen in environmental issues. It is asserted by many people that main environmental issue is the loss of natural habitation but there is a stronger counter among the certain group of people that there are lots of important regarding the environment issue. This is a matter to be debated in the lights of several factors which will be discussed in upcoming paragraph along with my opinion.
To initiate, there are many reasons to support the former nation. First and the foremost reason is Destruction of natural habitats – Deforestation and urbanization destroy the homes of wild animals and plants. As a result, many species become endangered or extinct. Apart from this, Hunting and poaching Some people hunt wild animals for their skin, horns, or other valuable body parts. This reduces their populations and may lead to extinction. For example: Rhinos are illegally hunted for their horns, which are sold in illegal wildlife markets. Hence, some people says that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals.
On the contrary, there are certain people who vehemently contend that there are more important environmental problems. Firstly, Deforestation Cutting down forests contributes to climate change, soil erosion, and the destruction of natural habitats. Besides this, Plastic waste Plastic pollution remains in the environment for a long time and can harm wildlife and contaminate ecosystems. For example: Plastic waste in oceans can injure marine animals. Thus, other say that there are more issues for environment problems.
To conclude, i deem both of them because there are lots of reason for environment problems.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5
You address both views by discussing species loss and other environmental concerns, and the examples of rhino poaching and ocean plastic are relevant. However, the discussion is only minimally developed: the first view is supported mainly by listing habitat destruction and hunting, while the second names deforestation and plastic without explaining why these problems are more important than species loss. Your own opinion is especially unclear. The conclusion, “i deem both of them,” does not state which view you support or explain your reasoning, and the introduction promises an opinion without giving one. To strengthen the response, compare the significance of the two positions and state a clear, consistent view supported by reasons.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The response has a recognisable introduction, two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a conclusion. Transitions such as “To initiate,” “On the contrary,” and “To conclude” help signal the structure. However, progression within the paragraphs is limited, and some linking is mechanical or unclear. For example, “Hence, some people says” repeats the preceding point rather than developing it, while “Thus, other say that there are more issues” does not clearly connect the examples to a comparison of importance. The introduction also refers vaguely to “upcoming paragraph,” and the conclusion does not bring the discussion together. Use clearer links between each claim, explanation, and example, and make the final paragraph summarise your position.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
You use relevant environmental vocabulary, including “natural habitats,” “endangered or extinct,” “poaching,” “soil erosion,” and “contaminate ecosystems.” These terms show an attempt to discuss the topic specifically. However, the range is uneven, and several inaccurate or unnatural expressions make parts of the argument difficult to follow. Examples include “natural habitation” for the place where species live, “a stronger counter among the certain group,” and “lots of important regarding the environment issue.” Some wording is also repetitive, particularly “environmental problems/issues.” Aim for accurate collocations and more precise phrasing rather than adding complex-sounding expressions. For instance, describe the competing view as “other environmental threats may be more serious,” then name and explain those threats.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
You attempt a mixture of simple statements and longer structures, including “As a result, many species become endangered or extinct” and a relative clause in “which are sold in illegal wildlife markets.” However, control is inconsistent, and errors in sentence structure, agreement, articles, and punctuation sometimes make the meaning harder to follow. Examples include “the main environmental issue” without an article in the introduction, “some people says,” and “other say.” The opening sentence is also awkwardly constructed, and the lists beginning “Hunting and poaching” and “Plastic waste” are not integrated into complete, well-punctuated sentences. Practise building clear subject–verb sentences and checking agreement, articles, and sentence boundaries before adding longer structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.