Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-25

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 7.0)

Some people believe that the loss of certain species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem today. However, others argue that there are more important environmental issues. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe that climate change and pollution are more serious problems.

On the one hand, the extinction of plants and animals is a serious issue because every species has an important role in nature. When one species disappears, it can disturb the balance of the ecosystem. For example, bees are important for pollination, which helps many plants produce fruits and seeds. If the number of bees decreases significantly, food production could also be affected. Furthermore, extinct species cannot be brought back, so protecting endangered animals and plants is extremely important.

On the other hand, there are several environmental problems that have a wider impact on both humans and nature. Climate change, air pollution, water pollution and deforestation are affecting people in many parts of the world. For instance, increasing global temperatures can lead to floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising sea levels. Similarly, air pollution from vehicles and factories can cause breathing problems and other health issues. These problems can also destroy natural habitats and eventually lead to the extinction of many species.

In my opinion, although the loss of species is an important environmental concern, climate change and pollution are more urgent because they affect the whole planet and can create many other environmental problems. Governments should invest in renewable energy, control industrial pollution and protect forests. Individuals can also contribute by reducing waste and using public transport when possible.

In conclusion, the disappearance of particular plant and animal species is a serious problem because it damages biodiversity. Nevertheless, I believe that climate change, pollution and habitat destruction are more important issues because their effects are much broader and can also contribute to species extinction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly discuss both sides of the argument—the importance of biodiversity loss and the broader impact of climate change and pollution—and provide a clear personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the example of bees in the first body paragraph and the consequences of global warming in the second. The conclusion synthesises your position well, linking the two concepts by explaining that broader environmental issues are often the root cause of species extinction. To reach a higher band, you could further explore the nuance of why some might argue that species loss is the 'main' problem, perhaps by discussing the irreversible nature of extinction compared to the potential for climate mitigation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Nevertheless'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the internal structure of the paragraphs is coherent. You use a variety of linking words effectively without them feeling mechanical. The essay flows well from the introduction to the conclusion, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning. The paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own perspective.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task. Phrases like 'disturb the balance of the ecosystem', 'wider impact', and 'mitigate' (or similar academic alternatives) are used correctly. You avoid repetition and use topic-specific vocabulary such as 'biodiversity', 'pollination', and 'renewable energy' accurately. While the vocabulary is precise and natural, it is consistently functional rather than highly sophisticated. To move toward a band 8 or 9, you could incorporate more precise collocations or less common academic lexical items to demonstrate a more flexible and sophisticated range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure 'If the number of bees decreases significantly, food production could also be affected'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are generally error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. To achieve a higher score, ensure you continue to experiment with a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already achieved.

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