Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-01

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 7.5)

The loss of certain species of plants and animals is considered by some people to be the most serious environmental problem facing the world today. Others, however, believe that environmental issues such as climate change, pollution and deforestation are more urgent. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe these problems are closely connected, although climate change deserves greater attention.

On the one hand, the disappearance of particular species is undoubtedly a serious environmental concern. Every plant and animal plays a role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem. For example, bees are essential for pollinating many crops and plants. If their population declines significantly, food production could also be affected. Similarly, the extinction of predators can disturb the natural food chain and cause the population of other animals to increase uncontrollably. Therefore, protecting endangered species is important not only for biodiversity but also for the stability of the natural environment.

On the other hand, many people argue that broader environmental problems are even more significant because they affect the entire planet and can also lead to the loss of species. Climate change, for instance, is causing rising temperatures, melting glaciers and more frequent extreme weather events. Air and water pollution also have serious consequences for both human health and wildlife. In addition, deforestation destroys natural habitats and increases carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. These problems affect millions of people as well as countless species, making them particularly urgent.

In my opinion, although the extinction of plants and animals is a major issue, wider environmental problems such as climate change and pollution should be given greater priority. This is because they are often the main causes of biodiversity loss. If governments successfully reduce pollution, protect forests and limit global warming, many endangered species may also be protected as a result.

In conclusion, the loss of particular species is an important environmental problem because biodiversity is essential for healthy ecosystems. However, I believe that global issues such as climate change, pollution and deforestation are more urgent since they affect the whole planet and contribute directly to the extinction of plants and animals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both views regarding the loss of species versus broader environmental issues and provided a well-reasoned personal opinion. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the role of bees in pollination and the impact of deforestation on carbon levels. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes your argument. The development is logical and balanced, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Similarly', and 'In addition'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of a discussion essay. The flow of ideas is natural, and the relationship between the broader environmental problems and the loss of species is well-articulated, showing a sophisticated level of coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'maintaining the balance of an ecosystem', 'uncontrollably', and 'biodiversity loss' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for an academic context, it could be further elevated by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. Nevertheless, the language is natural and error-free throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures (e.g., 'If their population declines significantly, food production could also be affected'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There is a high level of accuracy throughout the text, and the grammatical choices contribute to the clarity and professional tone of the writing.

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