Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-05

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 6.5)

nvironmental issues have become one of the most pressing challenges of our era. Some people argue that the greatest concern is the loss of particular species of plants and animals, while others believe that problems such as pollution, deforestation, and climate change are more urgent. This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.

On the one hand, the extinction of species is indeed a serious environmental problem. Every organism plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and the disappearance of even a single species can disrupt entire ecosystems. For example, the extinction of pollinators such as bees threatens global food security, as many crops rely on them for reproduction. Similarly, the loss of predators like tigers or wolves can lead to overpopulation of prey species, which in turn damages vegetation and soil quality. Thus, biodiversity loss not only harms nature but also indirectly affects human survival.

On the other hand, many argue that other environmental problems are more critical because they have immediate and widespread impacts on human life. Pollution, for instance, contaminates air, water, and soil, leading to severe health issues such as respiratory diseases and cancers. Global warming, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, results in rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and desertification, threatening millions of people worldwide. Deforestation accelerates climate change and reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. These problems are interconnected and often exacerbate species loss, making them arguably more urgent to address.

In my opinion, while the extinction of flora and fauna is alarming, broader environmental issues such as pollution and climate change deserve greater attention because they directly endanger human societies and simultaneously contribute to biodiversity loss. Tackling these problems holistically would not only protect humans but also preserve countless species.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives regarding the importance of species loss versus broader environmental issues like pollution and climate change. Your position is established in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay, culminating in a clear conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the role of pollinators and the impact of greenhouse gases, which provide strong support for your arguments. The essay is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the interconnected nature of these environmental challenges, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'In my opinion'. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to the overall clarity and coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of complex ideas. You use topic-specific terminology such as 'ecological balance', 'pollinators', 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'desertification', and 'holistically' with high accuracy. The word choices are natural and sophisticated, fitting the academic tone of the task perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with sufficient flexibility to convey nuanced meanings. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high-performing candidate who can use language effectively to support their arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For instance, the use of conditional-like structures ('if... then' implied) and participle phrases ('driven by greenhouse gas emissions') demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the writing is consistently accurate throughout. The complexity of the sentence structures is well-managed, reflecting a high level of grammatical control.

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