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, 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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that the loss of specific species is the primary environmental issue and that other problems are more significant—while also providing a clear personal opinion. The main ideas are relevant and supported with logical explanations, such as how species loss disrupts the ecosystem and impacts scientific or pharmaceutical research, and how pollution and deforestation represent alternative critical challenges. However, the development of ideas tends to be a little repetitive or simplistic in places, such as the concluding restatement and the phrasing of the personal opinion, which slightly lacks nuance. Nonetheless, the task is properly fulfilled throughout, aligning well with the expectations of Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay displays a clear overall structure with a traditional introduction, two distinct body paragraphs exploring opposing views, and a concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the arguments, using standard transitional markers like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is logical and appropriately separates the main themes. However, some cohesive ties feel a bit mechanical, and referencing occasionally lacks precision, such as 'this type of approach' grouping disparate ideas together. The logical progression is maintained throughout, satisfying the criteria for Band 6.5 and nudging towards Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range appropriate for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'ecosystem', 'extinction', 'herbivores', 'pharmaceutical development', and 'deforestation'. There are, however, some lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'a huge amount of environmental problems' (instead of 'a great number') and 'the herbivores animals' (where 'herbivores' functions as a noun or adjective awkwardly). Spelling is generally accurate, though minor slips occur, and the repetition of phrases like 'environmental problems' limits lexical flexibility. The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points clearly, supporting a solid Band 6 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing conditional and relative clauses effectively, such as 'This is because if any plants or animals become extinct, this may become a threat...'. Grammatical control is reasonably good, but several minor errors and awkward structures persist, such as 'a huge amount of environmental problems arising' and 'If a plant may not exist, the scientists may be unable...'. Punctuation is generally sound, and errors do not impede overall communication. The frequency and nature of the grammatical errors align well with the Band 6 descriptors.

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