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)

It is argued whether the extinction of plants and animals is the most serious environmental issue or if other problems are more critical. This essay will discuss both views before giving a conclusion.On the one hand, the loss of species is a major environmental concern. Every plant and animal plays an important role in the ecosystem. When a species disappears, it breaks the food chain and can affect other species as well. For example, if bees become extinct, many crops will not grow because there will be no pollination. Furthermore, many medicines are made from plants, so losing plant species means losing potential cures for diseases. Therefore, protecting biodiversity is essential.On the other hand, some people believe that problems like climate change, pollution, and deforestation are more dangerous. Global warming is causing sea levels to rise, extreme weather, and melting glaciers, which threatens all life on Earth, not just one species. Air and water pollution directly harms human health and kills millions of people every year. Plastic pollution in oceans is also destroying marine life. These problems affect the whole planet immediately, while species loss is a slower process.In my opinion, although the loss of species is very serious, issues like climate change and pollution are more important because they are the root causes. If we control pollution and global warming, we will automatically save many species as well.To conclude, both are serious problems, but tackling climate change and pollution should be our first priority.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on whether the loss of species is the primary environmental problem or if other issues take precedence, and provides a clear personal opinion. Ideas are supported with relevant examples, such as bees and pollination for biodiversity and climate change for broader ecological threats. However, the response falls slightly short of the word count requirement, containing 245 words instead of the minimum 250 words. This minor penalty prevents the essay from achieving a higher band, despite the overall adequacy of the content and development. Therefore, the task response is considered partially impacted by length restrictions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a reasoned conclusion containing the writer's stance, and an appropriate paragraphing structure. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'To conclude'. Paragraphs flow logically from one point to the next, ensuring that referencing remains clear throughout the text. Progression is maintained well from general statements to specific examples, demonstrating a coherent overall arrangement that meets the criteria for a strong band score.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms such as 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'pollination', and 'root causes'. There are attempts to use less common lexical items, and word choices are generally natural and precise. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay. While the vocabulary is sufficient for clear communication and allows the writer to express complex ideas regarding environmental issues, it lacks the broader flexibility and sophistication of higher band descriptors, placing it comfortably in the band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional structures like 'if bees become extinct, many crops will not grow' and relative clauses. Grammatical accuracy is generally high, with the majority of sentences being free of errors. Punctuation is used correctly, and occasional minor slips do not impede communication. The control over sentence forms demonstrates a solid grasp of grammar, making the text easy to read and understand. This performance reflects a strong command of grammatical accuracy and variety.

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