Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-01

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 8.0)

There is considerable debate over whether the extinction of particular plant and animal species represents the most serious environmental challenge, or whether other ecological problems deserve greater attention. Although the loss of biodiversity can seriously disrupt ecosystems, I believe broader problems such as climate change and pollution are more pressing because they affect both humans and wildlife on a much larger scale and can themselves accelerate species loss.

Those who regard species extinction as the primary environmental concern have valid reasons for doing so. Plants and animals are interconnected within ecosystems, and the disappearance of even one species can disturb food chains and reduce ecological stability. This is particularly concerning when the affected species performs an essential function, such as pollination or pest control. For instance, a substantial decline in pollinating insects could reduce the reproduction of many plants and ultimately affect agricultural production. Species extinction can therefore have consequences extending far beyond the loss of the animal or plant itself.

Nevertheless, I consider wider environmental threats, particularly climate change and pollution, to be even more serious. Unlike the disappearance of a single species, these problems can affect entire ecosystems, large human populations and numerous species simultaneously. For example, rising temperatures can alter habitats, intensify extreme weather and place pressure on water and food supplies, while air and water pollution can directly threaten both human health and wildlife. More importantly, these wider environmental pressures are themselves major contributors to biodiversity loss. Addressing them can consequently protect human populations while also reducing some of the underlying pressures that drive species towards extinction.

In conclusion, the extinction of plant and animal species is a serious environmental concern because it can destabilise ecosystems. However, I believe problems such as climate change and pollution deserve greater priority because their effects are wider and they also contribute to the destruction of species and habitats.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response covers all parts of the task well, presenting a clear position throughout and supporting ideas effectively. The introduction outlines the dual views and clearly states the writer's stance. Body paragraph one logically presents the arguments in favour of prioritizing species extinction, citing relevant consequences such as disruptions to food chains and agricultural production. Body paragraph two extends the discussion by evaluating broader threats like climate change and pollution, connecting them back to biodiversity loss. The ideas are well-developed and extended, satisfying the expectations for this band level, though slightly more elaboration on how climate change specifically accelerates species loss could have pushed the discussion even further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction through to the conclusion. The progression throughout the essay is clear, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. Cohesive devices are managed very well without being obtrusive or repetitive, utilizing transitional phrases such as 'Although the loss of biodiversity...', 'This is particularly concerning...', and 'Nevertheless, I consider wider environmental threats...'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introductory and concluding thoughts from the distinct viewpoints discussed in the body paragraphs, while referencing remains consistently clear throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary, skilfully utilizing uncommon lexical items such as 'biodiversity', 'disrupt ecosystems', 'ecological stability', and 'accelerate species loss'. Word choice and collocations are used with a high degree of precision, as seen in phrases like 'pest control', 'substantive decline', and 'underlying pressures'. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies or less common items attempted, but spelling and word formation remain pristine throughout, contributing to a very natural and sophisticated control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional and concessional clauses such as 'Although the loss of biodiversity can seriously disrupt ecosystems, I believe...' and 'For instance, a substantial decline in pollinating insects could reduce...'. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control over verb tenses, article usage, prepositions, and punctuation. Only very occasional minor slips occur, but these do not impede communication or detract from the overall high grammatical accuracy of the essay.

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