Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-13
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)
As far as this topic is concerned, some people believe that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem. However, others argue that there are more important environmental issues. In my opinion, although the loss of species is a serious concern, climate change and pollution are more important problems.
On the one hand, the extinction of plants and animals can have serious effects on the natural environment. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. If some animals or plants disappear, it can affect other species and damage the food chain. Moreover, future generations may never have the opportunity to see these species. Therefore, protecting endangered plants and animals is essential.
On the other hand, there are several environmental problems that have a wider impact on human life. Climate change, air pollution and water pollution can affect millions of people around the world. For example, global warming can cause extreme weather, rising sea levels and changes in agriculture. Similarly, polluted air can cause serious health problems. Therefore, these issues should receive greater attention from governments and international organisations.
In conclusion, although the loss of particular species is an important environmental problem, I believe that climate change and pollution are more serious because they affect both humans and the natural world on a much larger scale.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—the loss of species and other broader environmental issues—and clearly states a personal position in the introduction and conclusion. However, the response contains only 226 words, which fails to meet the minimum requirement of 250 words. As a direct result of this under-length constraint, the ideas remain somewhat succinct and could benefit from further extension and specific examples. For instance, the discussion on the food chain or global warming introduces valid points but lacks concrete real-world illustrations to fully develop the arguments. Consequently, the task response is limited by length, preventing it from reaching a higher band score despite its clear structure and logical progression.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical arrangement of ideas. The structure is traditional and effective, featuring a distinct introduction, two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a well-synthesised conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore'. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently, ensuring each paragraph has a single clear focus. Referencing is mostly clear, and the logical links between sentences help maintain flow, although some transitions feel slightly formulaic. Overall, the coherence and cohesion of the response meet the criteria for a solid band 7.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to communicate their ideas with reasonable precision. Words and phrases such as 'extinction', 'ecosystems', 'food chain', 'endangered plants and animals', and 'international organisations' demonstrate an appropriate topic-specific lexicon. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on common vocabulary items like 'important', 'serious', and 'environmental problem' rather than exploring a wider variety of sophisticated or less common lexical items. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication. With a slightly broader range of collocations and synonyms, the lexical score could be improved.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation. The essay includes a healthy mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as concessive clauses ('although the loss of species is a serious concern, climate change and pollution are more important problems') and conditional or relative structures ('Every species plays an important role...'). There are frequent error-free sentences throughout the text, and punctuation is handled competently. While the range of complex structures is somewhat constrained compared to higher bands, the grammatical accuracy is strong, and errors are virtually absent. The command of grammar easily supports clear communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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