Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-21

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 6.5)

It is a common debate whether the extinction of specific plants and animals is the main environmental problem today, or if other ecological issues are more critical. While the loss of species damages natural ecosystems, I believe that industrial pollution and greenhouse gases from vehicles are much more serious threats to our planet. On the one hand, losing biodiversity can harm the environment significantly. Every plant and animal plays a role in keeping nature balanced. When a species goes extinct, it disrupts the food chain, which can cause other species to die out as well. For example, if large forests like the Amazon continue to shrink due to human activity, we lose vital trees that produce oxygen and absorb harmful gases. This disruption can worsen global weather patterns and make the planet less livable for all creatures. However, I would argue that other man-made factors are causing more immediate damage, particularly vehicular and industrial emissions. Due to the massive increase in traffic worldwide, vehicles discharge huge amounts of carbon dioxide daily, which is the primary cause of rising global temperatures. Furthermore, factories continuously dump toxic waste and release chemicals that thin the ozone layer. In my view, pollution is a more urgent issue because it directly alters the earth's climate. If the air and water become completely poisoned, it will kill both humans and wildlife. In conclusion, although the reduction of animal and plant species is a serious concern, I personally believe that issues like carbon emissions and industrial waste are more notable. We must focus on reducing pollution first, as it is the root cause of most environmental degradation today.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on whether the loss of species is the main environmental problem or if other issues are more critical, and clearly states the writer's own opinion. The position is well maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of the Amazon rainforest and the disruption of the food chain, as well as industrial and vehicular emissions. Although there is a slight tendency to group broader pollution under one heading, the arguments are fully developed and meet the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction that outlines both views and the writer's stance, moving into body paragraphs that address the loss of biodiversity and industrial pollution respectively, and concluding neatly. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, including phrases like 'On the one hand', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the flow of ideas is smooth and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision appropriate for an academic task. Words and phrases such as 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'disrupts the food chain', 'carbon dioxide', and 'environmental degradation' demonstrate a solid command of topic-specific le词. There are occasional attempts at less common vocabulary with good awareness of style and collocation, and no spelling or word-choice errors impede communication, placing this comfortably in the Band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('if large forests... continue to shrink') and subordinate clauses. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is strong. While a few minor inaccuracies or awkward phrasings may occasionally appear, they do not impede communication. The majority of complex sentences are well-constructed, matching the Band 7 descriptor for grammatical range and accuracy.

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