Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-28

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)

Some people believe that the loss of certain plants and animals is the biggest environmental problem today. However, others argue that other environmental issues are more serious. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that several environmental problems are equally important.

On the one hand, the extinction of plants and animals is a serious problem. Every species has an important role in nature, and the loss of one species can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if a particular animal disappears, the number of its prey may increase, which can disturb the natural balance. Moreover, some plants and animals may have useful benefits for humans, such as providing food or medicines. Therefore, protecting endangered species is necessary for the future.

On the other hand, there are other major environmental problems, such as climate change, air pollution and water pollution. Climate change can cause rising temperatures, floods, droughts and extreme weather. Similarly, polluted air can cause health problems for people, while dirty water can harm humans, animals and plants. These problems can affect millions of people at the same time. For instance, excessive use of fossil fuels increases air pollution and contributes to global warming.

In my opinion, the loss of species is an important environmental issue, but it should not be considered the only major problem. Climate change, pollution and deforestation can also cause widespread and long-term damage. Therefore, governments and individuals should work together to protect wildlife while also reducing pollution and environmental

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that species loss is the primary problem versus other environmental issues—and clearly presents their own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are relevant, such as the mention that 'the loss of one species can affect the whole ecosystem' and the inclusion of examples like climate change and air pollution. However, the development is slightly limited by the response falling just short of the 250-word minimum, with the final sentence notably cut off ('...environmental'). Because the length requirement is not met, a slight penalty is applied under Task Achievement, bringing the score to a 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organized into a clear four-paragraph structure with an introduction, two body paragraphs addressing opposing views, and a concluding opinion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to signpost the progression of ideas, as seen with transition phrases like 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion'. Paragraphing is logical and helps guide the reader through the comparison of viewpoints. While referencing and substitution are generally clear, the abrupt ending of the essay slightly impacts overall cohesion and flow at the very end. Nevertheless, the logical organization and progression throughout the majority of the essay comfortably support a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms related to the environment such as 'extinction', 'ecosystem', 'endangered species', 'climate change', and 'global warming'. There are attempts at less common vocabulary, and word choice is generally accurate and natural ('disturb the natural balance', 'widespread and long-term damage'). Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. While the lexical range lacks the sophistication, flexibility, or wide use of uncommon idiomatic collocations required for higher bands, the vocabulary deployed is fully sufficient to communicate ideas clearly, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Examples include conditional-style structures ('if a particular animal disappears, the number of its prey may increase') and compound-complex sentences ('Similarly, polluted air can cause health problems for people, while dirty water can harm humans, animals and plants'). Grammar and punctuation are handled well, and the sentences produced are largely error-free, rarely impeding communication. Although the range of complex structures could be wider to reach higher bands, the grammatical control shown across the essay is strong and steady, justifying a Band 7.0.

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