Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-12
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)
Some people believe that the extinction of particular species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem facing the world today. Others argue that there are more important environmental issues. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that climate change and pollution are more pressing concerns.
On the one hand, the loss of plant and animal species is a major environmental problem because every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem. When a species becomes extinct, it can affect other organisms that depend on it for food or survival. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity can have serious consequences for humans because many plants and animals provide food, medicine and other resources. For example, the destruction of forests can cause the extinction of wildlife while also reducing the number of plant species that could potentially be used for medical purposes. Therefore, protecting endangered species is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
On the other hand, there are environmental problems that can have a much wider and more immediate impact. Climate change, air pollution and water pollution affect not only wildlife but also millions of people around the world. In particular, global warming is causing rising temperatures, melting glaciers, extreme weather and rising sea levels. Air pollution is another serious issue because it can cause respiratory diseases and reduce the quality of life in heavily populated cities. For instance, cities with high levels of traffic and industrial pollution often experience poor air quality, which directly affects human health.
In my opinion, although the extinction of species is undoubtedly an important environmental concern, climate change and pollution are currently more serious because of their global impact on both humans and nature. These problems can also contribute to the loss of biodiversity, meaning that solving them could help protect endangered species as well.
In conclusion, the disappearance of plant and animal species can seriously damage ecosystems, but I believe that climate change and pollution represent greater environmental threats because they affect a much wider range of people and natural systems. Governments and individuals should therefore take stronger measures to reduce pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions while also protecting biodiversity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both views regarding the importance of species extinction versus other environmental issues like climate change and pollution. Your position is established in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly in the second and third body paragraphs, where you provide logical justifications for why climate change and pollution have a broader impact. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments and provides a clear summary of your stance. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
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, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The use of linking words like 'furthermore', 'therefore', and 'in particular' helps to guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of your discussion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use topic-specific terminology such as 'biodiversity', 'ecosystem', 'greenhouse-gas emissions', and 'respiratory diseases' accurately. While the vocabulary is generally appropriate and clear, it leans towards standard academic English rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic language. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced collocations or less common lexical items to add further depth to your arguments.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good control of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'When a species becomes extinct, it can affect other organisms that depend on it for food or survival.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There are no major grammatical slips that cause confusion. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall clarity of your writing is high, which is characteristic of a strong performance in this criterion.
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