Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-31

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)

It is argued by many that losing particular species of flora and fauna are the main environmental problems whereas others argue that apart from this, there are also other more important contributing factors. This essay is going to discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the one hand, it is believed that the loss of plants and animal is the main problems nowadays. As we know that there are benefits of every things in this world and plants and animal also play a distinct role in the management of our surroundings. For instance, if some small animal like snake is extinct then the whole eco-system would be ruined. Consequently, the environment would start to degrade and causes natural disasters like flood, landslides etc.

On the other hand, many believe that there are more important problems instead of these like global warming, natural disasters, etc. Due to global warming our earth can face tremendous damage. For example, farmers cannot farm easily because of the climate change. Their livelihoods cannot be earned and apart from that they are the ones who are providing the foods for their country. So, in compared to the previous ones, it is more disadvantageous.

In my opinion, both are harmful for our environment in their own place. If the plants and animals are to be extinct then our whole lives would also be in danger and if the natural disasters arises then there would be nothing left in Earth.

In conclusion, everything in this world has its own merits and demerits. Losing something or gaining something can ruin our whole life cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a personal opinion, meeting the basic requirements of the task. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For example, the argument regarding the extinction of species is supported by a single, slightly simplistic example of a snake, and the discussion on global warming lacks depth regarding its broader environmental impact. The conclusion is also quite brief and does not fully synthesize the arguments presented. To reach a higher band, you should aim to provide more detailed explanations and specific, well-reasoned examples to support your claims, ensuring that the connection between the environmental problems and their consequences is more clearly articulated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. There is a logical progression from the introduction to the body paragraphs and the conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'for example' and 'on the one hand/on the other hand'. Some transitions between sentences are slightly abrupt, and the referencing could be more precise to improve the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that ideas within paragraphs are more tightly connected would enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to convey your meaning clearly. You use some relevant topic-specific terms like 'flora and fauna', 'eco-system', and 'degrade'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'everything in this world has its own merits and demerits' and 'in compared to the previous ones'. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and less common vocabulary related to environmental issues to demonstrate a wider range and more precise control over your language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'losing particular species... are the main environmental problems') and article usage. Additionally, there are minor punctuation and phrasing issues, such as 'if the natural disasters arises'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement will help improve your score in this criterion.

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