Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-30

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 5.0)

In today's world, there has been a huge discussion regarding environmental protection. However, some individuals believe that this is mainly due to the loss of particular species of plants and animals. On the other hand, others think that there are several more important environmental problems. In this essay, I will discuss both views, along with examples and my personal opinion.

To begin with, plants and animals play an important role in protecting the environment. However, the population of certain plant and animal species is decreasing which has become a major concern for some people. Firstly, deforestation is one of the most important factors affecting the environment. For example, villages near my hometown face problems due to deforestation as it reduces the natural habitats of animals. As a result, some animals enter residential areas in search of food and shelter which can create potential dangers for local residents. Secondly, deforestation can also disturb the food chain of animals as they may lose their natural sources of food. As a result, this can lead to a decline in animal populations and may even cause some species to become extinct.

On the other hand, there are some individuals who believe that this are not the importan factors apart from this some think that water pollution is the main cause because it disturbs everything. Firstly, if the water is polluted the plantation cannot be done. Secondly, there might be drinking water crisis for human as well as animals which will have the negative impact. For instance, in my city 3 years ago we faced the water crisis due to which it had a great impact on the environment.

In my opinion, there are multiple factors which effect the environment it cannot be just the plants and the animals responsible for damaging the environment as water, air and any sort of pollution been done to the environmental is responsible for this.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both views and give a personal opinion, with relevant examples such as deforestation near your hometown and a water crisis in your city. However, the discussion is only partial: the first body paragraph focuses mainly on deforestation and its effects on animals, rather than explaining why species loss itself is the most important environmental problem. The alternative view is less clearly developed; water pollution is introduced, but the explanation that polluted water prevents “plantation” and causes a crisis remains general. Your final opinion says several forms of pollution matter, but does not clearly compare their importance with species loss. Develop each side with a clearer reason and specific support, then state your position more decisively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable introduction, two body paragraphs presenting contrasting views, and a concluding opinion. Sequencing words such as “To begin with,” “Firstly,” and “On the other hand” help signal the structure. However, progression within the second body paragraph is difficult to follow, especially in “this are not the importan factors apart from this some think,” where the relationship between the ideas is unclear. “As a result” is repeated in the first body paragraph, and the conclusion largely restates the general topic rather than drawing the discussion together. Use clearer topic sentences, connect each example directly to its claim, and vary linking devices while ensuring references such as “this” have an unmistakable meaning.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant environmental vocabulary, including “deforestation,” “natural habitats,” “food chain,” “water pollution,” and “extinct,” which allows you to discuss the topic. There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “potential dangers” and “negative impact.” However, the range is limited and some choices are imprecise or repetitive. “Plantation” does not clearly express the idea of growing plants in this context, while “everything” and repeated uses of “environment” are too general. There are also noticeable word-form and spelling problems, including “importan” and “effect” where the verb “affect” is intended. Choose precise topic vocabulary and check spelling and collocations to make your meaning more exact.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “as,” “which,” and “if,” and several sentences communicate their main point successfully. However, complex structures are often faulty, and errors recur across the response. For example, “this are not the importan factors” has a subject–verb agreement error, while “pollution been done” is missing an auxiliary verb. In “there might be drinking water crisis,” the article is missing, and “human as well as animals” has an inaccurate plural form. The final sentence also lacks a clear grammatical structure. Practise building accurate clauses before adding extra ideas, and check agreement, articles, verb forms, and sentence boundaries during revision.

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