Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-29

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 often argued that the extinction of various plant and animal species represents the most urgent environmental crisis facing the world today. However, many people believe that other ecological issues, such as climate change and pollution, pose a far greater threat. While the loss of biodiversity has severe ecological consequences, I believe that global warming is a more critical issue because it directly triggers and worsens almost all other environmental problems. On the one hand, those who view species loss as the primary concern highlight the fragile nature of ecosysters. Every plant and animal plays a unique role in maintaining ecological balance, and the disappearance of even a single species can cause a domino effect. For instance, the decline of pollinators like bees severely threatens globall crop yields and food security. Furthermore, many endangered plant species contair unique chemical compounds vital for medical research and life-saving pharmaceuticals.

On the other hand, others contend that issues like global warming and pollution present more pressing threats to the planet. Climate change, driven by greenhouse gas emissions, causes extreme weathr patterns, rising sea levels, and widespread habitat destruction. Unlike the loss of individual species, rising global temperatures affect the entire biosphere simultaneously.

In conclusion, while the loss of specific flora and fauna is undoubtedly a grave issue that destabilizes ecosystems, I side with those who believe climate change is the most paramount challenge. Addressing global warming naturally helps preserve wildlife habitats, thereby tackling the root cause of biodiversity loss as well.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response presents a clear position throughout the essay, effectively discussing both views regarding whether species loss is the primary environmental issue or if other concerns like climate change are more critical. The writer provides relevant supporting ideas, such as the ecological balance and medical potential of flora and fauna, alongside the widespread impacts of global warming. Ideas are extended well and supported with relevant examples like pollinators and greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is a minor penalty applied under Task Achievement because the response is 249 words long, falling slightly short of the mandatory 250-word minimum requirement. Despite this length constraint issue, the core aspects of the task are fully addressed, resulting in a solid score of 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The introduction successfully outlines the debate and the writer's stance. Body paragraphs are logically structured, starting with arguments for species loss followed by the counter-arguments regarding climate change. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, with phrases like 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' guiding the reader effectively through the discussion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the distinct viewpoints into clear, manageable blocks of text. Referencing is generally clear, ensuring that ideas flow smoothly from one sentence to the next without causing confusion, which fully justifies a Band 7.0 for this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for flexibility and precision, employing less common lexical items such as 'extinction', 'biodiversity', 'ecological consequences', and 'biosphere'. There is an adequate awareness of style and collocation demonstrated throughout the response. However, there are a few spelling and typographical errors present in the text, such as 'ecosysters' instead of 'ecosystems', 'globall' instead of 'global', 'contain' spelled as 'contain' with an accidental extra letter or typo, and 'weathr' instead of 'weather'. While these lexical and spelling slips do not impede overall communication, they prevent the writer from achieving a higher band score, placing the performance comfortably within the Band 6.0 descriptor range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student utilizes a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating the ability to construct multi-clause sentences such as 'While the loss of biodiversity has severe ecological consequences, I believe that global warming is a more critical issue because it directly triggers and worsens almost all other environmental problems.' Grammatical control is generally quite good, with punctuation used correctly to separate clauses and structure arguments. There are occasional errors, such as missing articles or minor slip-ups, but the majority of sentences are grammatically sound and communication is never impeded. The variety of complex structures and overall accuracy reflect a strong command of grammar, earning a solid Band 7.0.

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