Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-09

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 5.0)

Several individuals consider the major cause of environmental problem is the loss of specific plants and animals. Opponents argue that there are numerous other significant problems for this . This has become a heated argument in this contemporary society. What is the major reason of environmental problem this will be discussed in this essay.

According to several individuals that the main cause of environmental issue is the extinction of many animals that is happening nowadays

They are afraid that the extinction of these will disturb the food chain

such as Black death that happened in Europe in the late 1800. When the individuals killed all the cats in the continent which increased the population of rates at an inexplicable level. Rates started to eat all the crops and food stocks. When the leftover was eaten by the individuals

it infected them which was the reason of the deaths of thousands of individuals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, reaching only 152 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While you introduce the topic, you do not discuss the 'other' environmental problems mentioned in the prompt, nor do you provide your own opinion as requested. The essay is incomplete, lacking a conclusion and failing to develop the arguments sufficiently. To improve, ensure you address all parts of the prompt: discuss both views, provide a clear personal opinion, and expand your arguments with sufficient detail to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a clear logical structure. Paragraphing is fragmented, with some sentences standing alone as single-sentence paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'When' to start sentences. There is no clear progression of ideas, and the transition between the introduction and the body paragraph is abrupt. To improve, use linking words like 'furthermore', 'consequently', or 'in contrast' to connect ideas, and ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence followed by supporting evidence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. You use simple phrases like 'major cause' and 'environmental problem' multiple times. There are also inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'rates' instead of 'rats' and 'inexplicable level' where 'unprecedented' or 'alarming' would be more appropriate. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to express complex ideas effectively. You should aim to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and collocations to demonstrate a wider range of lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'the major cause of environmental problem is' (missing article), 'the reason of the deaths' (incorrect preposition), and sentence fragments like 'such as Black death that happened in Europe'. The range of sentence structures is limited, relying mostly on simple or poorly constructed complex sentences. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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