Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

The debate over the most pressing environmental crisis of our time often pits the catastrophic loss of biodiversity against other urgent issues, such as climate change and resource depletion. Both perspectives hold significant weight, as the health of our planet depends on a complex interplay of various ecological factors.

Those who argue that the extinction of species is the primary concern highlight the irreversible nature of biodiversity loss. When a species vanishes, the genetic information it carried is lost forever, potentially destabilizing entire ecosystems. For instance, the decline of pollinators like bees threatens global food security, as many agricultural crops rely on these insects for reproduction. From this viewpoint, the "web of life" is fragile; removing one strand can lead to a collapse that ripples through the biosphere, making the protection of endangered flora and fauna an urgent moral and practical imperative.

Conversely, others contend that climate change and pollution are more fundamental threats. They argue that these systemic issues act as catalysts for extinction itself. Rising global temperatures, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution are altering habitats at a pace that prevents many species from adapting. If we fail to address the root causes of climate instability, individual conservation efforts for specific animals will likely prove futile, as their natural environments will cease to exist.

In my opinion, these issues are inextricably linked. We cannot prioritize one over the other because they form a feedback loop. While climate change is the overarching driver of environmental degradation, the loss of biodiversity weakens the planet’s resilience to that change. Therefore, a holistic approach is required: we must mitigate climate change to save habitats while simultaneously protecting specific species to maintain the ecological functions that sustain life on Earth.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the importance of biodiversity loss and the argument for climate change as a more fundamental threat—while maintaining a clear, consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the explanation of the 'web of life' and the 'feedback loop' between climate change and species extinction. The arguments are logical, relevant, and supported by clear reasoning, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The conclusion effectively synthesizes the two views, providing a balanced and insightful final stance that directly answers the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is exceptionally well-organized. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical and smooth. You use cohesive devices such as 'Conversely,' 'For instance,' and 'Therefore' with precision and natural flow. The transition between the two opposing views and your own opinion is seamless, creating a cohesive argument that is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct stages of the argument, and referencing is clear throughout. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words; the cohesion is unobtrusive and highly effective.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, using terms like 'catastrophic,' 'destabilizing,' 'imperative,' 'inextricably linked,' and 'mitigate' with high precision. The collocations are natural and accurate, such as 'global food security' and 'ecological functions.' You show a strong ability to use less common lexical items to convey complex ideas without any noticeable errors. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes significantly to the academic tone of the essay. There are no word-choice errors, and the language is consistently fluent and flexible.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in tense, agreement, or punctuation. You demonstrate full flexibility in your control of language, using structures like 'If we fail to address... will likely prove futile' and 'While climate change is... the loss of biodiversity weakens...' with perfect control. The writing is error-free, and the sophisticated sentence construction enhances the clarity and impact of your arguments throughout the response.

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