Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-14

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)

Opinions are divided on whether the decline in the number of species of flora and fauna or other environmental problems is more pressing. Notwithstanding severe consequences from the disappearance of living things, I contend that there are more urgent environmental challenges that deserve attention from people.

Admittedly, some people argue that the decrease in specific species is alarming owing to the risk of ecological imbalance and a negative impact on agriculture and the economy. In fact, each species plays an essential role in the food chain, and the disappearance of some may trigger a chain reaction, leading to the extinction of others. Besides, should this disappearance not be tackled immediately, it can threaten the thriving of agriculture and the economy. It is undeniable that the decreased population of pollinators adversely affects the growth of plants and crops, resulting in financial losses for farmers. For example, the disappearance of sparrows, which are predators of pests, triggers the overpopulation of these harmful insects. As a result, agriculture and the economy of this nation suffer from significant monetary losses due to this pest outbreak.

Despite these two aforementioned drawbacks, I believe that there are more critical challenges that exist, such as climate change, which has some notable impacts on both wildlife and humans. In recent years, the population explosion has required an excessive amount of energy, including non-renewable ones, to satisfy daily demands. By contrast, toxic gases from fossil fuels are the culprits behind the deterioration of human health; hence, people have to endure serious outcomes that stem from their inherent needs. For instance, being exposed to pollutants from emissions of vehicles in the long term can put people at risk of respiratory diseases or cardiovascular concerns, directly lowering their life span. Additionally, the accumulation of waste products has a detrimental effect on natural habitats, rendering them unsuitable for wildlife and contributing to species extinction.

In conclusion, while many people believe that the decline of endangered species is a matter of concern, I am a proponent of the view that other issues pose a more significant threat to not only people's well-being but also ecological balance.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the loss of species and other environmental issues while maintaining a clear personal position. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the explanation of the food chain and the link between climate change and human health. The ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as the role of sparrows in agriculture and the impact of vehicle emissions. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the arguments presented. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'Notwithstanding', 'Admittedly', 'By contrast', and 'Additionally', which help guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different perspectives. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is varied and precise, demonstrating a good range of academic language. Phrases such as 'ecological imbalance', 'thriving of agriculture', 'population explosion', and 'detrimental effect' show a high level of lexical control. The student uses less common items appropriately, and there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. The language is sophisticated and fits the formal tone required for an academic essay. The student successfully avoids repetition by using synonyms and varied phrasing throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional forms. Most sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is strong. There are only very occasional minor slips, such as 'the thriving of agriculture', which is slightly awkward but understandable. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is accurate and contributes to the formal tone. The grammatical accuracy is high, and the variety of structures used demonstrates a strong command of English grammar.

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