Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-16

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 7.5)

The rapid deterioration of the natural environment has become a major concern worldwide. While some people argue that the extinction of plant and animal species is the most serious environmental problem of our time, others believe that issues such as climate change and pollution are considerably more pressing. This essay will discuss both perspectives before arguing that these problems are closely interconnected, although climate change and pollution currently pose broader threats.

On the one hand, the loss of individual species can have consequences that extend far beyond the disappearance of a single organism. Every species forms part of an ecosystem, and removing one can disrupt food chains, reduce biodiversity and weaken the ability of natural habitats to recover from environmental changes. For example, the decline of pollinating insects can affect the reproduction of plants and, consequently, agricultural production. Furthermore, once a species becomes extinct, its genetic characteristics are lost permanently, meaning that potential benefits for medicine, agriculture or scientific research may also disappear. From this perspective, protecting biodiversity is essential for maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are environmental problems whose effects are far more widespread. Climate change, for instance, can alter weather patterns, raise sea levels and increase the frequency or severity of extreme weather events, potentially affecting millions of people simultaneously. Similarly, air and water pollution can cause serious damage to human health while degrading ecosystems on a large scale. These problems are also capable of accelerating species loss: rising temperatures, habitat destruction and polluted environments can make it increasingly difficult for vulnerable species to survive. Therefore, focusing exclusively on individual species may overlook the larger environmental processes responsible for their decline.

In my view, the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a serious problem, but it should not be considered separately from broader threats such as climate change, pollution and habitat destruction. Tackling these underlying causes is likely to protect not only endangered species but also human societies and ecosystems as a whole.

In conclusion, although species extinction has potentially irreversible consequences, environmental problems such as climate change and pollution affect a much wider range of ecosystems and populations. A comprehensive approach that addresses the causes of environmental degradation while protecting biodiversity is therefore essential.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether species loss is the most crucial environmental problem or if other issues take precedence. A clear, well-supported position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. The student effectively balances the arguments, explaining how the loss of individual species disrupts ecosystems and genetic pools, while also highlighting the widespread and simultaneous impacts of climate change and pollution. Ideas are well-extended with relevant examples, such as pollinating insects and agricultural production, and the conclusion synthesises the viewpoints logically, earning a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting from a strong introductory roadmap to well-signposted body paragraphs using cohesive markers like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my view'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing viewpoints and the author's synthesis. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, ensuring that ideas flow naturally from one sentence to the next without mechanical over-use of linking words, comfortably fitting the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic essay. Uncommon vocabulary items are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'deterioration', 'disruption', 'genetic characteristics', 'resilient ecosystems', and 'comprehensive approach'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only occasional minor stylistic awkwardness. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, demonstrating a strong control of vocabulary that fully satisfies the criteria for Band 7.5, rounded to Band 8.0 given the sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer employs a wide range of complex sentence structures with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. Sentences such as 'While some people argue that... others believe that...' and 'Climate change, for instance, can alter weather patterns, raise sea levels and increase the frequency or severity...' showcase excellent syntactic variety. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is managed with a high level of control. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing this performance solidly within the Band 8 criteria.

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