Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-17
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 5.5)
In present time, environmental issue increases widely in every nation. Some individuals believe that loss particular species of plant and animals is major issue in society. Some of them argue that environmental problem is major issue in current days. Before my opinion we will discuss both views in this essay.
On the one hand, now days many birds, plants, and animals have slowly disappeared due to bad environmental condition. Due to air pollution, birds cannot breathe properly for this reason they cannot live more. Likewise, big industries, remove their toxic solid waste on land, it is directly affected to land, due to this reason, plant cannot grow on this land. Moreover, aquatic plants and animals cannot survive in toxic water because of water pollution. For instance, sparrow had completely disappeared in now days because of the toxic environment.
On the other hand, environmental issues rose widely due to human activities. Now days, individuals throw waste in anywhere, so it effects badly on ecosystem. Industries release their toxic particles in river on land they impact negatively on ecology. For example, due to toxic weather, global warming issue increased in present time. In addition, bad environment condition directly effects on human health.
In my opinion, governments should encourage to the people for environment. They should take actions against big companies and also release some policy for industries. They should introduced penalty if companies have not recycled system. Also, school and educational institute encourage students to protect environment.
In conclusion, because of the toxic environment so many species disappear. so, government should take action against people and encourage citizen to save environment, plants or animals.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both views regarding environmental problems, but the development is uneven. While you mention the loss of species and general environmental issues, the arguments are somewhat repetitive and lack depth. For instance, the second paragraph focuses on pollution, which is a cause rather than a distinct 'other' environmental problem. Your own opinion is present in the fourth paragraph, but it focuses more on solutions (government action) than on evaluating the relative importance of the two views presented. To improve, ensure each body paragraph clearly distinguishes between the two perspectives and provides more nuanced reasoning for your own stance.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'due to' and 'in addition'. Some transitions feel forced, and the logical progression between sentences is occasionally hindered by grammatical errors. For example, the transition between the second and third paragraphs is weak because both paragraphs essentially discuss the same issue of pollution. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms like 'bad environmental condition' and 'major issue' repeatedly. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'toxic weather' and 'remove their toxic solid waste on land'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more academic vocabulary and precise collocations. For example, instead of 'bad environmental condition', use 'environmental degradation'. Expanding your range to include more sophisticated synonyms will help you express your ideas more effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('plant cannot grow', 'environment directly effects'), article usage ('in present time', 'in now days'), and awkward phrasing ('they should introduced penalty'). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction limit the score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage would be a great starting point for improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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