Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

It is often argued that the extinction of plant and animal species is the most serious environmental issue facing the world today. Others, however, believe that there are more pressing environmental concerns. Although the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a major problem, I believe that broader issues such as climate change, pollution and deforestation are equally, if not more, significant because they affect entire ecosystems as well as human societies.

On the one hand, the disappearance of particular species can have serious consequences for the natural environment. Every species plays a role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem, and the loss of one species can affect many others. For example, the decline of bees and other pollinating insects can reduce the reproduction of many plants, which may subsequently affect food production. Furthermore, some species have potential benefits that are not yet fully understood. Plants and animals can provide sources of food, medicines and scientific discoveries, so their extinction may permanently remove resources that could be valuable to humanity. For these reasons, protecting endangered species is an important environmental responsibility.

On the other hand, there are environmental problems that are broader in their impact. Climate change, for instance, is already affecting weather patterns, sea levels, agriculture and freshwater supplies in many parts of the world. Pollution is another major concern, particularly air pollution, which can damage human health while also harming ecosystems. In addition, deforestation contributes to climate change and destroys habitats, meaning that it can itself be a major cause of species loss. These problems therefore have effects that extend far beyond individual species and can threaten both humans and the natural environment on a large scale.

In my opinion, species extinction should not be considered separately from these wider environmental problems. In many cases, it is actually a consequence of them. For example, destroying forests can simultaneously eliminate animal habitats, increase carbon emissions and reduce biodiversity. Therefore, governments and individuals should focus on tackling the underlying causes of environmental damage, such as excessive pollution, deforestation and greenhouse-gas emissions, while continuing to protect endangered species.

In conclusion, the loss of individual plant and animal species is a serious environmental issue, but it is closely connected to wider problems such as climate change, pollution and habitat destruction. Addressing these broader threats is essential for protecting biodiversity as well as human life and the planet as a whole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—the importance of species loss versus other major environmental problems—and providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion. In the introduction, the writer outlines their position, which is then elaborated upon in the body paragraphs. For instance, the first body paragraph thoughtfully examines the consequences of declining biodiversity, such as the disruption of food chains and the loss of potential medicines. The second body paragraph successfully contrasts this with broader threats like climate change and pollution. Finally, the conclusion synthesises these viewpoints by arguing that species extinction is often a symptom of wider ecological crises. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, meeting the Band 8 descriptor for fully covering all parts of the task with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving through balanced body paragraphs, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally to guide the reader through the argument, as seen with transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion'. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, and referencing is handled accurately, ensuring the flow of ideas is never interrupted. The progression from examining specific species loss to broader environmental issues and finally to their interconnection is smooth and logical, comfortably earning a Band 8 for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suitable for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used naturally and with a strong awareness of collocation and style, such as 'extinction of plant and animal species', 'loss of biodiversity', 'ecosystem', and 'greenhouse-gas emissions'. Word choices are precise, and there are virtually no lexical errors throughout the text. While the vocabulary is fluent and sophisticated, it stops just short of the rare, highly nuanced control characteristic of Band 9, making Band 8 an accurate representation of the writer's lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer incorporates various subordinate clauses, conditionals, and participial phrases effortlessly, as demonstrated in sentences like 'Although the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a major problem, I believe that broader issues... are equally... significant because they affect entire ecosystems...' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Only very occasional, minor slips might be found, but these never impede communication. The control over grammar is robust and consistent, easily satisfying the criteria for a Band 8 performance.

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