Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-07-28

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 7.5)

People have different views about the main environmental problems of our time. While the loss of specific species of plants and animals is a major environmental problem, I agree with those who believe that there are more important environmental problems.

There are three key reasons why the loss of particular species of plants and animals is seen as the main environmental problem. Firstly, plants provide habitat to a variety of different animals, and due to the loss of specific plants, many animals can also lose their habitat, which eventually disturbs nature as well as the environment. Secondly, animals are a source of food for humans, since many people rely on meat, and losing certain species could threaten food security. Finally, global warming can be accelerated by the loss of plants, since they play a key role in absorbing carbon dioxide.

However, I would argue that other environmental problems are just as important as the loss of plants and animals mentioned above. In particular, industries are a major source of air and water pollution, and the widespread use of plastic items severely damages our environment. While I agree that the loss of plants is devastating, not enough is being done globally to plant new trees and preserve ecosystems, meaning each of us is, in some way, involved in damaging the environment.

In conclusion, while the loss of particular species of plants and animals is a serious environmental problem, I believe that pollution and people's negligence toward the environment are equally, if not more, responsible for the current environmental crisis.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly present both sides of the argument and provide a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant, such as the link between habitat loss and biodiversity, and the mention of pollution. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat brief. For instance, the argument regarding pollution could have been expanded with more specific examples or a deeper explanation of why it is 'more important' than species loss to fully satisfy the requirements for a higher band. The position is clear throughout, but the depth of analysis is limited, which prevents a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Finally', and 'However' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the argument is coherent. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices further and ensure that the transition between the two sides of the argument is even more seamless to achieve a higher level of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'biodiversity', 'ecosystems', 'food security', and 'negligence'. The meaning is consistently clear, and there are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the 'less common' or 'sophisticated' items required for higher bands. To reach a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations and topic-specific academic vocabulary to demonstrate a more flexible and fluent range of expression.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is used correctly. You successfully use complex structures, such as 'While the loss of specific species... I agree with those who believe...', which shows good control. There are very few errors, and those present do not hinder understanding. To improve, you could aim for a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over your writing.

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