Declining animals and plants: IELTS Task 2 essay #50, band 8.0
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.
307 words. Marked by Axiom on 2 July 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2307 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?
In many countries around the world, the number of animal and plant species is declining at an alarming rate. However, this issue can be addressed through effective measures such as reforestation and stricter regulation of pollution.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThe main causes of this problem are human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, that destroy natural habitats and damage ecosystems.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate and clear structure.
Large areas of forests are cut down for agriculture, urban expansion, and industrial development. As forests disappear, many species lose their natural habitats, making it difficult for them to find food, shelter, and suitable conditions to survive. As a result, some animals are forced to migrate while others face extinction. In addition to deforestation, pollution is another major factor contributing to the decline of biodiversity. Industrial waste, plastic materials, and harmful chemicals contaminate the air, water, and soil.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedDeforestation is one of the primary reasons for the decrease in animal and plant populations.
The revised sentence is more direct and clear.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFor instance, polluted rivers and oceans can kill aquatic species, and toxic substances in the soil can prevent plants from growing properly.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate and clear structure.
Lexical resource
RevisedThese environmental damages gradually lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses more academic language.
Reforestation helps rebuild natural habitats and allows many species to return to their original environments. Furthermore, governments should introduce stricter regulations to control pollution. Industries must be required to reduce harmful emissions and manage waste responsibly.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedHowever, there are several effective solutions that can help address these challenges.
The revised sentence provides a smoother transition to the discussion of solutions.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedReforestation, an important measure that involves planting trees to restore forests and damaged ecosystems, can be implemented as a solution.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone.
Lexical resource
RevisedEncouraging people to recycle and use environmentally sustainable products can also play a significant role in reducing pollution.
The term 'environmentally sustainable products' is more precise and academic.
In conclusion, the decline in animals and plants is mainly caused by deforestation and pollution. Nevertheless, this problem can be mitigated through solutions such as reforestation and stronger regulations on pollution, which would help protect ecosystems and preserve biodiversity for the future.
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 could be better use of linking words to connect ideas and sentences more effectively.
Suggestions
- Use a variety of linking words to connect ideas and sentences more effectively.
- Ensure that each paragraph has a clear central topic and that all sentences in the paragraph relate to this topic.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedDeforestation is one of the primary reasons for the decrease in animal and plant populations.
The revised sentence is more direct and clear.
RevisedHowever, there are several effective solutions that can help address these challenges.
The revised sentence provides a smoother transition to the discussion of solutions.
RevisedReforestation, an important measure that involves planting trees to restore forests and damaged ecosystems, can be implemented as a solution.
The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few minor errors, but these do not impede communication.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedThe main causes of this problem are human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, that destroy natural habitats and damage ecosystems.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate and clear structure.
RevisedFor instance, polluted rivers and oceans can kill aquatic species, and toxic substances in the soil can prevent plants from growing properly.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate and clear structure.
RevisedOne important measure, reforestation, involves planting trees to restore forests and damaged ecosystems.
The revised sentence provides a more accurate and clear structure.
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 primary reasons for the decline in animal and plant populations is deforestation.
The word 'decline' is more appropriate in this context.
RevisedThese environmental damages gradually lead to a decrease in biodiversity.
The revised sentence is more precise and uses more academic language.
RevisedEncouraging people to recycle and use environmentally sustainable products can also play a significant role in reducing pollution.
The term 'environmentally sustainable products' is more precise and academic.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses all parts of the task and provides a clear position throughout the response. The essay could be improved by providing more specific examples to support the arguments.
Suggestions
- Provide more specific examples to support your arguments. In the introduction, you could mention specific regions or countries where deforestation and pollution are major issues. In the body paragraphs, you could provide specific examples of reforestation efforts and pollution regulations that have been successful in other parts of the world. In the conclusion, you could summarize the key points and reiterate the importance of addressing these issues.
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