Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-24

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 8.0)

Nowadays, environmental issues have become a major concern around the world. Some people believe that the biggest environmental problem is the loss of certain species of plants and animals, while others think that issues such as pollution and climate change are more serious. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion.

On the one hand, many people believe that the disappearance of plants and animals is the most serious environmental issue. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature. If one species becomes extinct, it can affect the entire food chain and reduce biodiversity. Moreover, many animals and plants are already endangered because of hunting and habitat destruction. For example, tigers, rhinos and several bird species are at risk of extinction due to human activities.

On the other hand, others argue that there are more serious environmental problems than the loss of species. Climate change, air pollution and water pollution affect millions of people and animals every year. Rising temperatures can cause floods, droughts and forest fires, while polluted air leads to many health problems. In addition, these environmental issues also destroy natural habitats and increase the risk of species becoming extinct. Therefore, solving these larger problems can also help protect wildlife.

In my opinion, although the loss of plants and animals is a serious issue, climate change and pollution are even more important because they have a wider impact on both humans and nature. Governments and individuals should work together to reduce pollution and protect the environment so that future generations can live in a healthier world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task. You have discussed both views regarding the loss of species versus other environmental problems and provided a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, such as the link between biodiversity and the food chain, and the broader impact of climate change. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by providing more specific, perhaps global, examples or deeper analysis of the long-term consequences of these issues. The position is consistent throughout the essay, meeting the requirements for a well-structured discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', 'In addition', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The transition between the two viewpoints and your own opinion is smooth, ensuring the essay flows well from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Terms such as 'biodiversity', 'extinction', 'habitat destruction', and 'environmental issues' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and clear, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'irreversible damage', 'ecological equilibrium', or 'mitigation strategies'. However, the current vocabulary is error-free and effectively conveys your meaning without any confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure 'If one species becomes extinct, it can affect...' and the concessive clause 'although the loss of plants and animals is a serious issue...'. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is clear and professional. To move into the higher bands, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions.

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