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 is 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 the 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 herbivore animals who eat them may become endangered due to hunger. As a result, the loss of plants and animals may disturb the whole ecosystem. Additionally, the loss of plants and animals may affect scientific research. If a plant does not exist, scientists may be unable to carry out the research. A loss of plants may also affect pharmaceutical development because 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 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 conclusion, the loss of species of plants and animals may be considered as the 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 is 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 student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that the loss of species is the main environmental problem versus other issues—and provides a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are adequately developed; for instance, the explanation of how plant extinction affects herbivores and pharmaceutical development in the second body paragraph is clear and relevant. However, the conclusion slightly undermines the position by stating that species loss is 'considered to be one of them,' which is slightly vague compared to the strong arguments presented. Overall, the response meets the requirements for Band 6.0 as it addresses all parts of the task with relevant ideas, though some development is slightly repetitive.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is coherent overall with a clear logical arrangement into paragraphs: an introduction, two body paragraphs examining different viewpoints, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In conclusion' are employed to guide the reader through the text, although they can occasionally feel a bit mechanical or formulaic. Referencing is generally clear, though minor repetition in sentence openings ('This is because,' 'This may') slightly affects the overall flow. The text demonstrates the characteristics of Band 6.0 coherence and cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'ecosystem,' 'extinction,' 'herbivore,' 'pharmaceutical development,' 'carbon dioxide,' and 'deforestation.' There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, but occasional inaccuracies occur, such as 'transport modes' instead of 'modes of transport' or 'herbivore animals' instead of simply 'herbivores.' Spelling and word choice are generally accurate enough to ensure that communication is not impeded, fitting the Band 6.0 descriptors well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over basic structures and attempting more complex constructions (e.g., conditional-like clauses using 'if'). There are some noticeable errors in grammar and punctuation, such as 'a huge amount of environmental problems' (should be 'a huge number'), missing articles ('loss of particular species'), and minor awkward phrasing ('make a way for various industries'). However, these errors rarely impede communication, and the grammatical control is consistent with a Band 6.0 performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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