Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-16

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 5.5)

There is considerable debate on the main environmental problem of our time; some people think it is the loss of particular species of plants and animals whereas, others think there are more important factors other than losing particular plants and animals. In my opinion although the first statement is true to some extend, the later one is more appropriate for our environmental problem.

Our environment is stabilized by many factors and plants and animals are part of the factors. Plants contribute in reducing global warming and animals take part in preserving the ecosystem. Without these two factors environmental balance will be disrupted. In case of point, plants give us oxygen and take in carbondioxide, thus help in keeping the balance between these two gases whereas, many animals take part in preserving and growing of plants. But with only these two factors global environment cannot be protected.

To pollute our environment the biggest contribution goes to human being. We are the ones who pollute environment the most by emitting harmful gases from motor engines, throwing garbage in water resources, cutting down trees to make buildings, killing animals to make luxary products. Moreover, due to advanced civilization many species of animals and birds are losing their habitats and foods which ultimately leads to extinction of species who are helpful in preserving environmental stability. Most of the factors of environmental problems are manmade.

To conclude, I believe human civilization is the most important factor for our environmental problems; rather than the loss of particular species of plants and animals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You present a clear view that human activity is a more important environmental problem, and you explain how species loss can disrupt ecological balance. The examples of plants absorbing carbon dioxide and animals helping to preserve plants are relevant. However, the discussion of the opposing view is brief, and the wider problems are mostly listed rather than explained in depth; for instance, emissions, waste, deforestation and habitat loss are named without showing their relative effects. The conclusion restates your position but does not add much development. The response is 237 words, so it is 13 words below the required minimum; the 19 words copied from the task prompt were not counted. Develop both sides with a specific example and fuller explanation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs and a conclusion. The progression from the role of species to human-caused environmental damage is generally easy to follow, and linking expressions such as “Moreover” and “To conclude” help signal stages in the argument. However, the relationship between ideas is sometimes unclear or mechanical. “But with only these two factors” does not clearly explain what other factors are needed, while the second body paragraph moves quickly through several examples without grouping or developing them. Some references, such as “these two factors,” could be more precise. To strengthen progression, organise the examples around a clear central point in each paragraph and explain how each supports your position.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a relevant range of environmental vocabulary, including “ecosystem,” “global warming,” “habitats,” “extinction” and “environmental stability.” These terms help communicate the topic, and phrases such as “harmful gases” and “water resources” are appropriate. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, including “In case of point,” “preserving and growing of plants,” and “advanced civilization.” There are also spelling errors in “carbondioxide” and “luxary,” and “the later one” is not the correct form for referring to the second view. These issues do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision. Aim to use standard collocations and check spelling and word forms carefully.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including a concession in “although the first statement is true…” and a cause-and-effect clause beginning “which ultimately leads to extinction.” Most of the argument remains understandable. However, some sentence patterns and punctuation are inaccurate. For example, “although …, the later one” needs clearer clause structure, and “Plants contribute … and animals take part …” is followed by a sentence fragment beginning “Without these two factors.” Commas are also misplaced around “whereas,” and the final sentence, “I believe human civilization is the most important factor …; rather than…,” is not smoothly constructed. Practise complete sentences, accurate clause linking and punctuation, while retaining your attempts at complex forms.

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