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 many 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 environmental problems, but one of them is considered to be the loss of species of plants and animals.
On the one hand, the loss of particular species of plants and animals is considered as the main problem because it may disturb the ecosystem. This is because there are various animals who depend on various plants and animals. This problem may become a threat to other animals. For example, if a species of plants become extinct, the herbivore animals who eat them may become endangered due to hunger. As a result, the loss of particular species of plants and animals may disturb the ecosystem. Additionally, the loss of species of plants may affect scientific research. If a plant does not exist, scientists may be unable to carry out the reserach. A loss of plants may also affect the pharmaceutical development because some of them may be used as a cure for various critical diseases.
On the other hand, critics argue that there are many other important environmental problems such as pollution. This is because people use different modes of transportation to reach their destination. These vehicles may release the huge proportion of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, which may harm environment. Furthermore, deforestation is carried out to make a way for various industries. Trees are cut down to build various industrial projects for textiles, electronics, agriculture and so on. Deforestation can also affect the animal's habitats.
In conclusion, the loss of particular species of plants and animals may be considered as the main problem because it may disturb the ecosystem and may affect scientific research. However, there are more important environmental problems such as pollution and deforestation. In my opinion, there are various important environmental problems of our time and 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 on whether the loss of species is the main environmental problem and providing a personal opinion. The position is stated, although the conclusion in the final paragraph is slightly repetitive and circular, as seen in the phrase 'one of them is considered to be the loss of species'. Ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as the impact on herbivores when a plant species becomes extinct and the mention of pollution and deforestation. However, some arguments lack deeper extension, keeping the development at a moderate level. Overall, the response meets the criteria for Band 6.0 as it covers all parts of the prompt with relevant, if somewhat basic, ideas.
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, using conventional cohesive markers such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, cohesion is at times mechanical and repetitive, particularly the frequent reliance on 'This is because' and 'For example'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different facets of the prompt. Referencing is generally clear, though paragraph transitions can feel a bit formulaic. This performance aligns well with Band 6.0 descriptors for logical arrangement and noticeable, sometimes mechanical, cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully using topic-specific terms such as 'ecosystem', 'extinct', 'endangered', 'pharmaceutical development', and 'deforestation'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices are awkward or imprecise, such as 'herbivore animals' instead of 'herbivores', and a spelling error 'reserach' in the second body paragraph. Repetition of certain words like 'environmental problems' and 'plants and animals' occurs frequently throughout the text. Nevertheless, the meaning remains clear throughout, and the lexical range is sufficient for communication, corresponding to Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student produces a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures such as 'if a species of plants become extinct'. There are several grammatical errors and inaccuracies, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'if a species of plants become', where the plural noun misleads the verb, and articles ('release the huge proportion'). Punctuation is generally controlled, and while errors are present, they rarely impede communication. The control over grammar is typical of a Band 6.0 response, featuring a combination of error-free sentences alongside frequent errors in complex structures.
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.