Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-03

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 4.0)

Over the past few decades, pollution has become a significant issue for human life. Some people argue that the government should declare a vehicle-free day in a week, in which all private vehicles are banned, while public transport is permitted. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion. I believe the advantages are far greater than the disadvantages.

On the first hand, the primary benefit is that it will help us to reduce pollution, which is one of the most dangerous problems for all living animals and human life. It will not only decrease CO₂, but also help us to maintain a balanced life. Moreover, another advantage is that it decreases the number of vehicles, which can help us to reduce traffic congestion in emergency situations. Finally, it can grow the economy because public transportation can help the government develop new facilities for ordinary people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 3.0

The response fails to address the prompt entirely. The essay discusses a 'vehicle-free day,' which is completely unrelated to the topic of biodiversity and the loss of species. Furthermore, the response is significantly under the 250-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the development of any ideas. Because the content is off-topic and the length is insufficient, the response does not meet the requirements for a passing band score. To improve, you must carefully read the prompt to ensure your arguments directly address the specific question asked and provide a full, well-developed response that meets the word count.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, and there is a basic attempt at logical progression using transition words like 'On the first hand' and 'Moreover.' However, the logical flow is hampered by the fact that the content is irrelevant to the prompt. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, and the overall structure is underdeveloped due to the lack of length. To improve, focus on creating a clear introduction, body paragraphs that directly support your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points, ensuring all ideas are relevant to the specific question.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'help us to' and 'advantage.' While the words used are generally accurate in their own context, the range is limited and does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for higher bands. There is no attempt to use less common or academic vocabulary. To improve, try to incorporate more precise synonyms and topic-specific terminology related to environmental science, such as 'ecosystem,' 'extinction,' or 'sustainability,' rather than relying on generic phrases.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, such as 'It will not only decrease CO₂, but also help us to maintain a balanced life.' While there are few grammatical errors, the range of structures is limited. The primary issue is the brevity of the text, which prevents a demonstration of a wider variety of complex grammatical forms. To improve, practice using a broader range of subordinating conjunctions, passive voice, and conditional sentences to add complexity and variety to your writing.

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