Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-14

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)

Environmental problems are the significant challenges in the contemporary society. There are multiple reasons for environmental problem, but some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of specific species of flora and fauna, while others think that except these we have multiple reasons for environmental problems.

On the one hand, some individuals say that loss of particular species of plants and animals are the main cause of enivronmental problem, because when in ecosystem any specie is added or removed, it creates multiple issues and challenges. The whole ecosystem disturbs when species lost. Every specie has specific role in the soceity therefore balance of ecosystem is very necessary. For example, a city of china abolished bees from the city but later they faced an issue of pollination and they started pollination by hand which is very costly.

On the other hand, others say that except these we have numerous significant environmental problems. Like climate change affects everyone badly. Rising sea level, temperature, greenhouse gases effects billions of people every year. Moreover, air pollution and water pollution also causes serious health issues, asthama, cancer etc. However, deforstation is also a huge environmental problem. Plastic waste in canals causes death of fishes.

I agree that species loss is an environmental problem but climate change, air and water pollution, conatminated water, greenhouse gases are most important challanges. If we take measures for these issues then we can save our species of fauna and floura.

In conclusion, while loss of species should be addressed but serious problems like pollution, climate change should be solved first to save ecosystem as well as human being.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that the loss of specific species is the main environmental problem, and that other issues are more significant—while also providing a clear personal opinion. The writer establishes a position in the introduction and maintains it through to the conclusion, agreeing that species loss is important while arguing that climate change and pollution are more pressing. The main ideas are supported with some relevant examples, such as the mention of pollination issues in China and specific problems like greenhouse gases, deforestation, and plastic waste. However, some ideas are slightly repetitive or under-developed, placing the response comfortably within the Band 6 descriptor category for fully addressing all parts though with some under-developed sections.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear paragraph structure, utilizing standard transition signals such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, allowing the reader to follow the writer's argument easily. However, cohesion is at times somewhat mechanical or faulty, as seen in the phrase 'except these we have multiple reasons for environmental problems', which is slightly awkward in referencing. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two opposing views, the personal opinion, and the conclusion. Overall, the organizational structure meets the criteria for a Band 6 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'ecosystem', 'pollination', 'climate change', 'greenhouse gases', and 'deforestation'. There are, however, several spelling and word-choice errors throughout the text, such as 'enivronmental', 'specie' (used instead of 'species' as a singular), 'asthama', 'conatminated', and 'soceity'. Despite these lexical slips and minor inaccuracies, communication is not impeded, and the writer attempts some less common vocabulary items like 'contemporary society' and 'substantial'. This performance aligns well with the Band 6 descriptors for lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordination and relative clauses (e.g., 'when in ecosystem any specie is added or removed, it creates multiple issues'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('loss of particular species... are', 'The whole ecosystem disturbs when species lost'), missing articles ('a city of china'), and punctuation slips. Nevertheless, these errors rarely impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout the essay. Because there is a reasonable mix of sentence structures alongside persistent errors that do not block understanding, a Band 6 is awarded.

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