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)

Environmental problems have become a serious concern across the world. Some people believe that the loss of certain species of plants and animals is the biggest environmental issue. However, others argue that problems such as pollution and climate change are more important. This essay will discuss both views before giving my opinion.

Examining the first view point, some people think that protecting plants and animals should be a priority because every species has an important role in nature. Although some species may seem less useful, they help maintain the balance of the ecosystem. If one species disappears, it can affect many other living things. Moreover, many plants are used to make medicines, and animals also contribute to agriculture and scientific research. For example, bees help pollinate crops, and without them food production would be greatly affected.

On the other hand, many people believe that pollution and climate change are more serious environmental problems because they affect both humans and wildlife. Air and water pollution cause health problems, while climate change leads to rising temperatures, floods, and droughts. Furthermore, these problems are one of the main reasons why many species are becoming endangered or extinct. Therefore, solving these larger environmental issues would also help protect plants and animals.

In my opinion, although the loss of species is a major concern, pollution and climate change deserve more attention because they have a wider impact on the environment. If these problems are controlled, many endangered species will also have a better chance of survival.

In conclusion, both views have valid arguments. However, I believe that addressing pollution and climate change should be the main focus because they are the root cause of many environmental problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You have discussed both views—the importance of biodiversity and the urgency of pollution/climate change—and provided a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, particularly the example of bees in the first body paragraph and the link between climate change and species extinction in the second. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the 'why' behind your opinion by providing a more specific example or a deeper analysis of the long-term consequences of failing to address climate change compared to species loss.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Therefore,' which help the reader follow your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and referencing is clear throughout. The flow is smooth, and the transition between the two viewpoints and your own opinion is handled naturally, ensuring the essay remains coherent from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'maintain the balance of the ecosystem,' 'scientific research,' and 'root cause' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning clearly, it is generally standard. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'biodiversity,' 'mitigate,' 'irreversible damage,' or 'interconnectedness.' There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is natural and fits the academic context well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('If one species disappears, it can affect...') and complex noun phrases effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the structure of your arguments. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which demonstrates a strong command of English grammar. To move into the highest band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions, to further demonstrate grammatical flexibility.

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