Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-27

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 6.5)

Undeniably, clean environment is very important for living. few individuals think that the major environmental issue in these days is the extinction of some plant and animal species whereas others believe that there are other serious environmental issues. I support the latter viewpoint.

On the one hand, a section of society opine that the major problem of environment is loss of some species and animals. This means that every plant and animal has a role in maintaining the natural balance of an ecosystem. When one species becomes extinct, it can affect other organism that depend on it for food and survival. For example, the decline in the number of bees can be harmful because bees play an important role in pollinating crops and plants. Furthermore, deforestation and illegal hunting are destroying the natural habitats of many animals. If these activities continue, some species may disappear permanently.

On the other hand, opponents argue that there are several environmental problems that may be even more urgent and I agreed with them. One of the main problem is pollution. Air pollution from factories and vehicles can cause serious health problems while plastic and chemical waste can also contaminate rivers and oceans. To exemplify with, plastic waste in the sea and lakes can be eaten by marine animals, causing injury or even death. Subsequent to this, climate change is another serious problem for environment which is mainly caused by greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, industries and the burning of fossil fuels. These effects can harm both humans and animals and can also destroy the habitats of many species.

In conclusion, extinction of animal and plant species is certainly a serious environmental problem because it damages biodiversity and natural balance of ecosystem. However, I believe that climate change and pollution are even more urgent because they affect large areas and can create many other environmental problems including species extinction. Therefore governments and individuals should take strong measures to reduce pollution, protect natural habitats and limit greenhouse gas emissions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both viewpoints and providing a clear personal opinion. The position is maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the explanation of how climate change and pollution act as broader environmental threats. The arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the role of bees in pollination and the impact of plastic waste on marine life. The response is balanced and logically structured, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance by extending and supporting ideas effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing views. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is clear, and referencing is generally accurate. While the flow is smooth, the transition between some sentences could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it comfortably meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for some precision. The student uses topic-specific terms like 'biodiversity', 'greenhouse gas emissions', 'pollinating', and 'ecosystem' correctly. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'clean environment is very important' (should be 'a clean environment') and 'one of the main problem' (should be 'problems'). However, the range is adequate to convey complex ideas clearly. The student demonstrates an awareness of style, and the errors do not impede communication, justifying a Band 6.5 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is good control over complex sentences, such as 'When one species becomes extinct, it can affect other organism that depend on it for food and survival.' However, there are recurring minor grammatical errors, such as 'few individuals' (should be 'a few'), 'other organism' (should be 'other organisms'), and 'I agreed with them' (should be 'I agree with them'). Despite these slips, the meaning is always clear, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The level of control is consistent with a Band 6.5.

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