Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

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, the 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 hunger. 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 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 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 is considered to be one of them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that the loss of species is the main environmental problem, and that other issues are more significant—while also providing the writer's own opinion. The position is clear throughout the essay, particularly in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the explanation of food chains involving herbivores and the impact of deforestation for industries. However, the writer's final conclusion in the last sentence ("the loss of particular species of plants and animals is considered to be one of them") is somewhat repetitive and slightly weakens the firmness of the personal stance. Overall, the task is well addressed, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7.0 for fully engaging with the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. It is divided into four well-defined paragraphs: an introduction, two body paragraphs exploring opposing views, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader, such as "On the one hand", "On the other hand", and "Additionally". However, referencing and transitions are at times slightly mechanical. For instance, sentences within the body paragraphs occasionally feel repetitive in structure ("This is because...", "This gas may..."), which prevents the cohesion from feeling entirely natural or flexible. Paragraphing is used effectively, and each paragraph has a clear central topic.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common items such as "ecosystem", "extinct", "herbivores", "pharmaceutical development", and "deforestation". While these show a good effort to discuss the topic precisely, there are notable inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. Examples include "the herbivores animals" (should be "herbivorous animals" or just "herbivores"), "a plant may not exist" (should be "become extinct" or "disappear"), and "make a way for" (should be "make way for"). Despite these errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing conditional structures and relative clauses (e.g., "if any plants or animals become extinct, this may become a threat"). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as "there are a huge amount of" (plural/singular agreement error with 'amount'), "the scientists may unable to" (missing verb 'be'), and "various animal's habitats" (incorrect plural possessive). Punctuation is generally fine, and while errors are noticeable, they rarely impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 6 descriptor.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.