Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-20

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 7.0)

Some people believe that the extinction of particular species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental problem of our time, while others argue that there are more important issues. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe that climate change and pollution are more serious threats.

On the one hand, the loss of animal and plant species is a major environmental concern. Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem, and the disappearance of one species can affect other organisms in the food chain. In addition, biodiversity is valuable because plants and animals can provide food, medicines and other natural resources. For example, the destruction of forests can cause many wild animals to lose their natural habitats, which may eventually lead to their extinction. Therefore, protecting endangered species is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are several environmental problems that may have a wider and more immediate impact. Climate change, for instance, is causing rising temperatures, extreme weather events and sea-level rise in many parts of the world. Similarly, air and water pollution can directly threaten human health and damage natural ecosystems. These problems affect not only wildlife but also millions of people. For example, severe air pollution in large cities can contribute to respiratory problems and reduce people's quality of life. Therefore, these issues deserve significant attention from governments and individuals.

In my opinion, although the loss of particular species is undoubtedly a serious problem, climate change and pollution are more urgent because their effects are widespread and can affect both humans and the natural environment. Governments should therefore take measures to reduce pollution, control greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural habitats.

In conclusion, the extinction of plants and animals can seriously damage ecosystems, but I believe that climate change and pollution are currently more widespread environmental threats. Addressing these problems can also help protect endangered species and preserve biodiversity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on environmental problems and clearly presenting a well-developed personal opinion. In the second and third paragraphs, the writer examines the arguments for species extinction being the most critical issue, citing ecosystem balance and biodiversity, and the counter-arguments regarding climate change and pollution, highlighting their immediate and widespread impacts. The writer's position is established in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay, culminating in a clear conclusion. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant examples, such as reference to the food chain, deforestation, and urban air pollution, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the task requirements according to the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced with a distinct introduction, body paragraphs addressing each side of the argument, and a thoughtful conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'For example', which guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed logically and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring that the connection between ideas is always apparent, meeting the standards for a Band 7.5 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used effectively, such as 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'ecosystem', 'greenhouse gas emissions', and 'preserves'. Word choice and collocations are generally natural, as seen in expressions like 'maintaining the balance of an ecosystem' and 'widespread environmental threats'. There are occasional minor inaccuracies or less precise usages, but these do not impede communication. Spelling is accurate throughout the text, and the vocabulary employed comfortably satisfies the criteria for a solid Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining a high proportion of error-free constructions. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses, such as 'while others argue that there are more important issues' and 'which may eventually lead to their extinction'. Control of grammar and punctuation is consistently strong, with accurate use of relative clauses, modal verbs, and tense consistency. Errors are extremely rare and do not impede communication in any way, showing a level of grammatical control that aligns well with the Band 8 descriptors.

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