Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Some people believe that the extinction of certain species of plants and animals is the most serious environmental issue today, while others argue that there are more significant problems that need attention. Although the loss of biodiversity is a major concern, I believe that issues such as climate change and pollution are more urgent because they affect the entire planet.

On the one hand, the disappearance of plant and animal species can have serious consequences for the environment. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. For example, the extinction of bees could negatively affect pollination, which is essential for food production. Furthermore, once a species becomes extinct, it cannot be brought back, causing permanent damage to nature.

On the other hand, many people argue that there are more important environmental challenges. Problems such as global warming, air pollution, and water contamination affect millions of people directly. Rising temperatures are causing extreme weather events, melting glaciers, and increasing sea levels. Similarly, pollution from industries and vehicles can lead to serious health problems and damage natural resources.

In my opinion, while protecting endangered species is important, climate change and pollution should be considered the biggest environmental problems of our time. This is because they are the main causes of many other environmental issues, including habitat destruction and species extinction. Therefore, solving these larger problems could also help protect wildlife and plants.

In conclusion, the loss of species is a serious environmental concern; however, I believe that wider issues such as climate change and pollution require greater attention because of their global impact.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the loss of species as the main environmental problem versus other more pressing concerns—and clearly stating a personal position throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a clear stance that climate change and pollution are more urgent. Each body paragraph explores a distinct viewpoint effectively. The first body paragraph examines the consequences of biodiversity loss using a relevant example regarding bees and pollination. The second body paragraph outlines alternative challenges such as global warming, air pollution, and water contamination. The reasoning is extended and supported well, leading into a cohesive synthesis in the final paragraphs. Ideas are fully developed, meeting the criteria for a high band without any under-development. Overall, the task response is comprehensive and directly answers the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and flow naturally from one point to the next. The essay employs clear organizational patterns, transitioning smoothly from the introduction to the first view, the opposing view, the personal opinion, and finally the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In my opinion' are used skillfully and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. There is a clear progression throughout the text, and referencing is accurate and clear, ensuring that the essay is cohesive without feeling mechanical.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'extinction of certain species,' 'biodiversity,' 'pollination,' 'water contamination,' and 'habitat destruction.' Word choice is generally precise, allowing the writer to convey ideas clearly and naturally. While it does not consistently display the sophisticated control found at the highest band levels, there are only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the response, ensuring that communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional-like clauses and subordinate clauses such as 'Although the loss of biodiversity is a major concern, I believe that issues such as climate change and pollution are more urgent because they affect the entire planet.' The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control. Punctuation is used accurately to structure complex thoughts. Only very occasional minor slips occur, but these do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical range is sufficiently wide to support the clear articulation of complex academic arguments.

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