Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-27

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)

A good environment is important for good health. A considerable proportion of people mention that the main environmental problem at present is the loss of particular species of plants and animals, while others argue that there are other environmental problems that are more dangerous. However, many harmful activities can cause environmental problems.

On the one hand, some people believe that the loss of species is the main environmental problem. This is because plants provide oxygen and animals play an important role in the ecosystem. For example, cutting down forests can destroy the natural homes of many animals and plants. Hence, the loss of these species can disturb the natural balance of the environment.

On the other hand, advocates of the other view believe that other causes have a greater effect on our environment. Agricultural fertilizers can cause environmental damage because harmful chemicals can enter the soil and water. Moreover, poor sanitation systems in large cities can pollute water and create unhealthy living conditions. For instance, smoke from cars and factories can pollute the air and cause environmental damage.

However, in my opinion, the loss of species and trees is important for maintaining the environment and increasing oxygen levels. Nevertheless, other problems, such as poor sanitation, industrial pollution and smoke from cars, also directly affect our environment. Therefore, both types of problems need attention.

In conclusion, governments ought to take many steps to improve the environment, and international bodies should implement laws to control activities that cause environmental problems. I also believe that people should plant more trees to create a fresher and healthier environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that the loss of species is the main environmental problem, and that other issues are more significant—while also presenting a clear personal opinion. The introduction outlines the two viewpoints, and the body paragraphs elaborate on them with relevant examples, such as cutting down forests, agricultural fertilizers, and vehicle emissions. The conclusion reiterates your stance that both types of problems require attention. However, some ideas feel slightly brief and could be extended further to achieve higher band levels. For instance, the explanation of how the loss of species affects the ecosystem is somewhat general. Overall, the task is answered satisfactorily, and your position remains clear throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with distinct introductions to each viewpoint, your personal opinion, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the arguments, as seen with phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. However, some of the referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'other' (e.g., 'other view', 'other causes', 'other problems'). Additionally, the introductory sentence 'A good environment is important for good health' acts as a somewhat generic lead-in rather than a smooth entry into the specific topic. Nevertheless, the essay is easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using topic-specific terms such as 'ecosystem', 'agricultural fertilizers', 'sanitation systems', and 'industrial pollution'. There are also attempts to use less common expressions, such as 'considerable proportion of people' and 'disturb the natural balance'. However, vocabulary usage occasionally slips into repetition, particularly with words like 'environmental' and 'problems'. Spelling and word choice are generally accurate, and errors do not impede communication, but the language lacks the broader flexibility and precision characteristic of higher bands. Elevating certain adjectives and nouns would significantly strengthen your lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The essay shows a workable mix of simple and complex sentence forms. You successfully employ dependent clauses and cohesive structures, such as 'This is because plants provide oxygen...' and 'Moreover, poor sanitation systems in large cities can pollute water...'. Grammatical control is fairly good, with many error-free sentences, particularly in the middle paragraphs. Minor slips do occur, such as the slight awkwardness in phrasing like 'the loss of species and trees is important for maintaining the environment' (where maintaining or protecting might be better paired). Punctuation is handled correctly, and errors never impede comprehension, placing your writing comfortably at a solid Band 6.5 level.

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.