Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-19

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)

Few individuals argue that the environmental issue of our time is loss of particular species of plants and animals. Some argue that there is a significant environmental challenges. This essay will discuss both views as far as i am concerned i am in favor of former notion. On the one hand, The plants and animals are the major environmental concern. Many species disappearing because of deforestation, hunting and climate change. When a species become extinct. it can disturb the natural balance of an ecosystem. For example, if a particular animal disappears, other animals that depend on if for food may also be affected. Moreover, some plant and animals have crucial benefits for humans, such as providing food and medicines. Therefore, protecting endangered species is essential. On the other hand, there are several environmental problems that may even more significant . Air pollution,water pollution and global warming directly effect million of people around the world. For instance, polluted air can cause serious health problems. While climate change can lead to floods, droughts and extreme temperature. In addition plastic waste is damaging oceans and harming marine life. these problems are not limited one area and that can effect both human and animals. In my opinion, although the loss of species is a serious issue. Climate and pollution are mote important becuse they effect the entire plant . if these problems are not controlled, they willalso increase the risk of extinction for many species.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses both views and provides an opinion, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. While the prompt asks for a discussion of both views, the arguments are somewhat superficial. The student states they are in favor of the first view in the introduction, but then contradicts this in the conclusion by stating that climate change and pollution are more important. This inconsistency weakens the clarity of the position. To improve, the student should expand on their arguments with more detailed examples and ensure their stance remains consistent throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover'. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions are abrupt. The use of referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the sentence 'these problems are not limited one area', where the connection to previous ideas could be smoother. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks the depth needed for a higher band. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear logical progression between sentences would enhance coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. The student relies on basic terms like 'environmental issue', 'serious', and 'important'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'mote' instead of 'more' and 'becuse' instead of 'because'. Additionally, there are collocation issues, such as 'effect million of people' (should be 'affect'). To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to environmental science and ensure accurate word choice and spelling throughout the text.

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 readability. Examples include 'Few individuals argue' (should be 'A few'), 'When a species become extinct. it can disturb' (punctuation and subject-verb agreement errors), and 'they effect the entire plant' (should be 'affect' and 'planet'). The misuse of articles and verb forms is consistent. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage would be beneficial.

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