Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-13

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 6.5)

There is a debate on environmental problems some individuals think that it is because of the extinction of some plants and animals species While other agues that there are other problems which affect the environment. In this essay I will discuss both views and provide my personal opinion.

On the one hand, Losing particular species of plants and animals is the biggest environmental problem. Every species plays an important role in maintaining the natural balance. For example, bees help plants reproduce, while some animals control the population of other species. If these species disappear, the food chain may be disturbed. As a result, other living things may also be affected. Therefore, protecting endangered species is necessary for the future of our planet.

On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that may have a greater impact on human life. Air pollution, water pollution and global warming are major concerns in many countries. For instance, polluted air can cause breathing problems, while dirty water can spread diseases. Furthermore, global warming can lead to floods, droughts and extremely high temperatures. These problems affect not only humans but also plants and animals. In addition, pollution and climate change can destroy natural habitats, which may cause some species to disappear.

In conclusion, although the loss of plant and animal species is a serious environmental issue, I believe that pollution and global warming are more urgent because they affect many aspects of life and can also threaten wildlife. Governments and individuals should work together to address these problems

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response addresses both views and gives a clear opinion: the conclusion states that pollution and global warming are more urgent, while the body explains why species loss matters. Relevant support includes bees’ role in plant reproduction and the effects of polluted air and water. The link between climate change, habitat destruction and species loss also helps connect the two sides of the discussion. To develop the ideas further, explain more specifically why pollution and global warming are more urgent than species loss—for example, by showing how their wider effects can intensify other environmental problems. The discussion is relevant and supported, but some claims remain general rather than being explored in depth.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay has a clear, effective structure: an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion that restates your position. The progression within the body paragraphs is generally logical, and signposts such as “On the one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” make the argument easy to follow. You also use cause-and-effect links, including “As a result” and “Furthermore,” to connect supporting points. To make cohesion more flexible, avoid relying mainly on explicit transition phrases and develop clearer links between some claims. For instance, the conclusion could refer back to the explanation that pollution and climate change damage habitats, showing more directly how this supports your preference for addressing those problems first.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “natural balance,” “food chain,” “endangered species,” “habitats,” and “global warming.” These terms help communicate the environmental issues clearly, and the meaning remains understandable throughout. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “animals species,” “other agues,” and “breathing problems”; the first two should be corrected, while a more precise phrase such as “respiratory problems” would suit the formal topic. There is also repetition of broad terms such as “problems” and “affect.” Build greater precision by varying these expressions and checking word forms and spelling, while retaining the clear, relevant vocabulary already used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Conditional and relative structures are used effectively in sentences such as “If these species disappear, the food chain may be disturbed” and “polluted air can cause breathing problems, while dirty water can spread diseases.” Most sentences communicate their meaning clearly. Some grammatical and punctuation errors remain, particularly in the opening: the first sentence runs together without appropriate punctuation, and “some plants and animals species” has an incorrect plural construction. Capitalisation is also inconsistent, as in “Losing” after the paragraph break. Improve accuracy by separating the opening ideas with clear punctuation, checking singular and plural forms, and proofreading sentence boundaries and capital letters.

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