Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-30

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)

The decline of various flora and fauna is considered by some to be the most pressing ecological concern today, while others contend that broader environmental issues pose a greater threat. In my view, while biodiversity loss severely disrupts individual ecosystems, climate change is a far more fundamental problem as it actively drives species extinction alongside widespread global damage.

On the one hand, proponents of species protection argue that biodiversity is essential for ecological stability. Every plant and animal plays a unique role in food chains and nutrient cycles. For instance, the extinction of primary pollinators like bees could destabilize food security and cause complete ecosystem collapses. Furthermore, lost plant species may hold unexamined medical properties critical for human health. Therefore, preserving specific wildlife is vital to maintaining natural balance.

On the other hand, many believe that issues such as global warming and pollution present more systemic challenges. Extreme climate shifts alter global weather patterns, melt polar ice caps, and fuel extreme weather events that threaten planetary survival as a whole. Crucially, rising global temperatures and industrial pollution destroy natural habitats on a massive scale, directly accelerating the extinction of vulnerable species. Tackling climate change, therefore, addresses the root cause of environmental degradation rather than just its symptoms.

In conclusion, although safeguarding endangered species is critical for ecological preservation, I believe climate change is the paramount environmental crisis of our era. Addressing macro-level issues like global warming will naturally help mitigate habitat loss and protect endangered plants and animals worldwide.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The essay addresses both views and provides a clear personal opinion. The arguments regarding biodiversity loss and climate change are relevant and well-developed. However, the response is 249 words long, falling just short of the 250-word minimum requirement. While the ideas are well-supported, this minor failure to meet the length constraint necessitates a penalty in Task Achievement, as the task instructions were not fully satisfied. To reach a higher band, ensure that your response is slightly more expansive to comfortably exceed the minimum word count, allowing for a more thorough exploration of the points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout. The structure is coherent, and the use of referencing is accurate, which contributes to a professional and easy-to-follow flow of arguments.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and sophisticated, demonstrating a good range of topic-specific terminology. Phrases such as 'ecological stability', 'systemic challenges', and 'environmental degradation' show an ability to use less common lexical items with natural control. The word choice is consistently accurate and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or collocation, and the language used effectively conveys complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The control over grammar and punctuation is excellent, with no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates a high level of accuracy in tense usage and subject-verb agreement. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a sophisticated command of English syntax, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score.

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