Declining animals and plants: IELTS Task 2 essay #40, band 7.5
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
388 words. Marked by Axiom on 17 January 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2388 words
In many countries, the number of animals and plants is declining. Why do you think this is happening? How can this issue be solved?
These areas are home to numerous endemic species, many of which are now threatened with I think, because of the decline is driven by a range of factors, including habitat destructions, climate change, and over-exploitation of natural resources.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOne of the most significant causes of species decline is habitat destruction, which includes deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. These activities have led to the loss of vast tracts of forests, particularly in the Amazon and Southeast Asia.
The sentence is a bit confusing and could be more clearly expressed.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIn recent decades, many countries have witnessed a significant decline in biodiversity, affecting both animal and plant species.
The sentence is grammatically incorrect and needs to be revised.
extinction due to the destruction of their natural habitats. Deforestation not only eliminates shelter and food sources of wildlife but also fragments the remaining habitat, making it difficult for species to migrate, find mates, maintain genetic diversity.
Climate change is another crucial factor contributing to decline of biodiversity. Research published in Nature Climate Change highlights that rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns are forcing many species to migrate to cooler regions. However, not all species can adapt quickly enough to these changes. For instance, tropical species that are used to stable temperature conditions may find challenging to survive even slight increases in temperature. This has led to a decrease in populations of species like amphibians, which are particularly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Moreover, many scientists argue that the world is currently undergoing is sixth mass extinction, driven largely by human activities. Unlike previous extinctions caused by natural events, the current crisis is attributed to the over-exploitation of resources, such as hunting, fishing, and logging.
While this is an ambitious goal, experts emphasize that prioritizing regions with high biodiversity and focusing on species showing early signs of decline could yield significant results. Conservation programs like reforestation, wildlife corridors, and protected areas can help restore habitats and allow species to recover. Additionally, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing sustainable agricultural practices can mitigate the effects of climate change, offering species a chance to adapt to changing environments.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedAddressing the decline of biodiversity requires a multifaceted approach, which involves combining local conservation efforts with global initiatives.
The sentence is a bit awkward and could be more clearly expressed.
Lexical resource
RevisedIn conclusion, the dwindling of animal and plant species is a pressing global issue that demands immediate intervention.
The term 'dwindling' is a more precise way to refer to the decline of species. 'Intervention' is a more appropriate term in this context than 'action'.
Lexical resource
RevisedIt is possible to slow down, and even reverse, the loss of biodiversity by combining conservation efforts, addressing climate change, and leveraging the knowledge of local communities.
The sentence is a bit awkward and could be more clearly expressed.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas.
- Ensure that your paragraphs have a clear central topic.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne of the most significant causes of species decline is habitat destruction, which includes deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. These activities have led to the loss of vast tracts of forests, particularly in the Amazon and Southeast Asia.
The sentence is a bit confusing and could be more clearly expressed.
RevisedIn recent decades, many countries have witnessed a significant decline in biodiversity, affecting both animal and plant species.
The sentence is grammatically incorrect and needs to be revised.
RevisedAddressing the decline of biodiversity requires a multifaceted approach, which involves combining local conservation efforts with global initiatives.
The sentence is a bit awkward and could be more clearly expressed.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. However, there are a few grammatical errors and awkward constructions.
Sentence revisions 1
RevisedOne of the most significant causes of species decline is habitat destruction, which includes deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. These areas are home to numerous endemic species, many of whom are now threatened with extinction.
The sentence is a fragment and should be revised to be a complete sentence.
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne of the most significant causes of species decline is habitat destruction, which includes deforestation and land conversion for agriculture. These areas are home to numerous endemic species, many of which are now threatened with extinction.
The term 'paramount' is not the most appropriate choice in this context. 'Significant' would be a better fit. Additionally, the term 'endemic' is not used correctly here.
RevisedIn conclusion, the dwindling of animal and plant species is a pressing global issue that demands immediate intervention.
The term 'dwindling' is a more precise way to refer to the decline of species. 'Intervention' is a more appropriate term in this context than 'action'.
RevisedIt is possible to slow down, and even reverse, the loss of biodiversity by combining conservation efforts, addressing climate change, and leveraging the knowledge of local communities.
The sentence is a bit awkward and could be more clearly expressed.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, providing a clear position throughout the response. The essay provides relevant, extended and supported ideas.
Suggestions
- Ensure that you fully develop all of your points and provide sufficient support for your arguments.
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