Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-02

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)

It is said by many people that the loss of particular species of animals and plants is the main environmental problem of our time. In my opinion, pollution is the major environmental issue as it leads to an increase in the number of people affected by various diseases.

Air and water pollution are two major types of pollution which cause harm not only to humans, but also to other living organisms. Toxic gases released by factories during manufacturing processes pollute the air with many harmful compounds like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. These gases when inhaled, lead to life-threatening diseases. In addition to this, the oxygen content of the air is reduced, so many people experience breathing issues like asthma. Therefore, in recent times, many families keep oxygen measuring devices at their homes to check the oxygen level of every family member regularly.

However, it is quite natural for many people to believe that the loss of plant and animal species is the main environmental issue, as the loss of even a single species disturbs the food chain completely. Suppose, in a jungle, a particular species of a deer becomes extinct. Then, the animals which used to rely on this deer for food, will face hunger issues. Sooner or later, the population of these dependent animals will also decrease. Furthermore, the carnivorous birds who ate the flesh of these land animals, will also have a hard time finding food. As a result, extinction of one species leads to a reduction in population of many other species resulting in a completely disturbed food chain.

To conclude, it can be said that pollution is the main environmental issue of our time because it affects every living organism on Earth whereas the loss of any specific species will cause damage only in a particular region and not throughout the world.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses both views and provides a clear personal position. However, the development of the ideas is somewhat uneven. While the explanation of the food chain is logical, the argument regarding pollution is slightly repetitive and relies on a somewhat anecdotal example (oxygen measuring devices) rather than a broader environmental analysis. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that both sides of the argument are explored with equal depth and that your supporting evidence is more academic and less focused on individual household habits. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, which is a strength.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two viewpoints. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'In addition to this', 'However', and 'As a result' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of ideas within paragraphs is generally smooth, though the transition between the pollution argument and the biodiversity argument could be more sophisticated. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a solid band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'life-threatening diseases', 'disturbs the food chain', and 'carnivorous birds' are used accurately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional rather than sophisticated. There is a reliance on simpler terms like 'major environmental issue' and 'harmful compounds'. To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific collocations and less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range. The spelling is accurate throughout, and your word choice is generally appropriate for the context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures ('If a particular species... becomes extinct') and relative clauses effectively. While there are occasional minor errors, such as 'the population of these dependent animals will also decrease' (where a comma is unnecessary), the majority of your sentences are error-free. Your control of punctuation is generally good, and your grammar does not impede communication. To move to a higher band, aim for more varied complex structures and ensure that your use of articles and commas is consistently precise.

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