Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-28

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 6.0)

The disappearing of some species of plants and animals is the alarming condition regarding environmental protection. Some individuals believe that extinction of some species of plants and animals is the main cause of the environmental issue. Others have different views, and according to them, there are many other environmental problems. I shall discuss both views and give my argument regarding this.

Firstly, one group has a view that a decline in the population of particular types of animals and plants causes a major environmental problem. A decline in any specific species of fauna and flora creates a gap in the whole environmental cycle. The disturbance in the food cycle of any creature by the escape of any particular species leads to environmental issues. To strengthen their argument, cite the example of the extinction of deer from African forests, which led to a starvation condition of many creatures, like lions, by which the whole environmental system was disturbed. That condition converted to a decline in the population of lions and an increase in the population of buffaloes, by which the whole environmental system of the forest was disturbed.

On the other hand, critics' points of view tell different opinions. There are many environmental problems, not just the loss of any species. According to them, loss of any creature is the effect of environmental problems, not the actual problem. They gave an example to strengthen their point, as in the forest of South America, some species died due to polluted water in the forest, which came from nearby factories. Polluted water is the environmental issue, as the loss of some particular species is the indirect problem.

In conclusion, even though the decline of some biodiversity is a loss to the environment, we should focus on the main causes by which this indirect problem occurs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion in the conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat uneven. The first body paragraph provides a specific example regarding deer and lions, which is good, but the explanation of the 'environmental cycle' is slightly repetitive. The second body paragraph introduces a relevant point about pollution as a root cause, but the argument could be more deeply explored to reach a higher band. The position is consistent, but the overall depth of analysis is limited, keeping it at a solid level where the main requirements are met but not fully extended.

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 'Firstly', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions are a bit mechanical, and the referencing within paragraphs could be smoother. For instance, the repetition of 'whole environmental system' in the second paragraph makes the flow feel slightly clunky. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, though it lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. There is some repetition of basic terms like 'environmental problems' and 'species'. While the student uses some topic-specific vocabulary like 'fauna and flora' and 'biodiversity', the word choices are occasionally imprecise, such as 'starvation condition' instead of 'starvation' or 'food shortages'. The range is sufficient to convey meaning clearly, but it does not demonstrate a wide or flexible control of less common lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The disappearing of some species' (should be 'The disappearance') and 'critics' points of view tell different opinions' (should be 'express different opinions'). Additionally, some phrasing is awkward, such as 'by which the whole environmental system was disturbed', which is repeated unnecessarily. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent the essay from reaching the 7.0 band for grammar. More variety in sentence structure and better attention to article usage would improve the score.

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