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)
In today's world, there are a huge amount of environmental problems arising in all areas. Some people believe that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals, while others argue that there are more important environmental problems. In my opinion, there are many different environmental problems, but one of them is the loss of particular species of plants and animals.
On the one hand, loss of particular species of plants and animals can be considered as a main problem because it may disturb the ecosystem. This is because if any plants or animals become extinct, this may become a threat to other animals who depend on them. For example, if different species of plants become extinct, the herbivores animals who eat them may become endangered due to hungerness. As a result, loss of plants and animals may disturb the whole ecosystem. Additionally, loss of plants and animals may affect the scientific research. If a plant may not exist, the scientists may unable to carry out the research. A loss of plant may also affect the pharmaceutical development because some some of them may be used as a cure for various diseases.
On the other hand, critics argue that there are more important environmental problems like pollution. This is because there are many transport modes used by the people to travel to their destination. These vehicles may release a huge proportion of harmful gases such as carbon dioxide. This gas may pollute the environment. Furthermore, deforestation is carried out to make a way for various industries. The various trees are cut down to provide a space for industries for textiles, electronics, agriculture and so on. This type of approach may harm various animal's habitats and increase the risk of becoming endangered.
In conslusion, loss of species of plants and animals may be considered as a main problem because it may disturb the ecosystem and may affect the scientific research. However, there are many other important environmental problems like pollution and deforestation. In my opinion, there are many environmental problems of our time but the loss of particular species of plants and animals are considered to be one of them.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on environmental problems and providing a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, such as how species loss disturbs ecosystems and impacts pharmaceutical development, and how pollution and deforestation threaten habitats. However, the student's personal opinion stated in the conclusion—that species loss is 'one of them' among many problems—is somewhat vague and lacks strong development. While all prompt requirements are met, the depth of idea extension aligns well with the Band 6 descriptor.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized into four paragraphs, following a standard introduction, two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a conclusion. There is a clear overall progression with appropriate transitional phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, some cohesive devices are used mechanically, and referencing can occasionally feel repetitive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, allowing the reader to follow the writer's argument easily, placing this response solidly in Band 6.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, including topic-specific terms like 'ecosystem', 'extinct', 'endangered', 'pharmaceutical development', and 'deforestation'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'a huge amount of environmental problems' instead of 'a huge number', 'herbivores animals', and 'due to hungerness' instead of 'hunger'. Additionally, repetition of phrases like 'loss of plants and animals' limits flexibility. These errors do not impede communication, placing the vocabulary score at Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using conditional clauses ('if any plants or animals become extinct, this may become a threat...') and relative clauses with reasonable success. However, there are several grammatical errors throughout the essay, including subject-verb agreement issues ('the loss of particular species... are considered') and article errors ('a plant may not exist, the scientists may unable'). While these errors are noticeable, the meaning remains clear and communication is not impeded, which fully satisfies the criteria for Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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