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 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 be unable to carry out the research. A loss of plant 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 are considered to be one of them.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that the loss of species is the main environmental problem, and that other problems like pollution and deforestation are more critical—while providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and supported with explanations, such as ecosystem disruption and scientific/pharmaceutical consequences in the second paragraph, and vehicular emissions and industrial clearing in the third paragraph. However, the conclusion and stance are slightly repetitive, stating that loss of species is 'one of them' rather than fully synthesizing the arguments. Overall, the task is well-addressed, fitting comfortably into Band 6.5 or Band 7.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each side of the prompt, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are employed to guide the reader through the text, although some referencing and transitional phrases feel slightly mechanical or repetitive (e.g., repeating 'loss of plants and animals may' multiple times). Progression is generally clear, though the overall logical flow could be enhanced with more sophisticated cohesive links between sentences.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using topic-specific terms like 'ecosystem', 'extinct', 'herbivores', 'pharmaceutical development', and 'deforestation'. There are, however, some noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'a huge amount of environmental problems' (instead of 'number'), 'herbivores animals' (redundant), and 'transport modes' (instead of 'modes of transport'). A few minor spelling or typographical errors also appear, such as 'conslusion'. Despite these limitations, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the ideas clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay incorporates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, utilizing conditional-style clauses ('if any plants or animals become extinct...') and relative clauses. There is good control over basic grammar, but grammatical errors occasionally surface. For example, 'there are a huge amount' features subject-verb agreement error, and 'If a plant may not exist' uses awkward modal phrasing. Punctuation is generally fine, and errors do not impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the arguments without significant strain.
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