Declining animals and plants: IELTS Task 2 essay #25, 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.
291 words. Marked by Axiom on 29 March 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2291 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?
The reasons for this can mainly be attributed to several factors, including illegal hunting, climate change and deforestation of lands. However, there are various strategies - such as restricting hunting animals and expanding areas for vegetation - to solve this issue.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedIn various countries, declining populations of animal and plant species are a significant concern.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and makes the meaning more clear and direct.
When large numbers of animals are illegally hunted without government authorization, especially endangered species, it disrupts the natural food chain, leading to ecological imbalances. As a result, the decline in animal populations negatively impacts plant species, as fewer pollinators contribute to reduced pollination and fertilization. To tackle this problem, one effective solution is to restrict the hunting of animals at risk of extinction. By regulating and restricting hunting practices, the complete eradication of certain animal species can be prevented.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedIllegal hunting is one major factor contributing to the decline in animal and plant populations.
This revision makes the sentence more concise and direct, which improves the flow of ideas.
Extreme temperatures, whether excessively heat or cold, create harsh conditions that many animal species cannot survive, leading to their decline. Additionally, large-scale deforestation for urban development, including hotels, restaurants, and various entertainment facilities, reduces green spaces and negatively impacts plant growth.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedAnother critical reason, which builds on the previous one, is climate change.
The revised sentence provides a clearer connection to the previous point.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedThe situation can be improved by establishing protected zones for plant preservation and imposing restrictions on tree cutting.
The revised sentence is more concise and direct, which improves the flow of ideas.
Lexical resource
RevisedGovernments should establish protected areas to promote vegetation and implement monitoring systems.
The revised sentence uses a more formal tone and a more precise verb, which improves the overall quality of the writing.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedFurthermore, strengthening laws and enforcing strict measures against illegal logging can help prevent the extinction of plant species.
The revised sentence corrects the grammatical structure, making it more clear and direct.
In conclusion, the driving factors behind the loss of animals and plants are illegal hunting and deforestation. However, by implementing strict conservation laws, restricting the hunting of endangered species, and expanding protected green spaces, we can preserve both fauna and flora.
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 and that all sentences in the paragraph relate to this topic.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedIllegal hunting is one major factor contributing to the decline in animal and plant populations.
This revision makes the sentence more concise and direct, which improves the flow of ideas.
RevisedAnother critical reason, which builds on the previous one, is climate change.
The revised sentence provides a clearer connection to the previous point.
RevisedThe situation can be improved by establishing protected zones for plant preservation and imposing restrictions on tree cutting.
The revised sentence is more concise and direct, which improves the flow of ideas.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. There are a few minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedIn various countries, declining populations of animal and plant species are a significant concern.
The revised sentence corrects the awkward phrasing and makes the meaning more clear and direct.
RevisedThe situation can be improved by establishing protected zones for plant preservation and implementing restrictions on deforestation.
The revised sentence uses a more precise term, which improves clarity and accuracy.
RevisedFurthermore, strengthening laws and enforcing strict measures against illegal logging can help prevent the extinction of plant species.
The revised sentence corrects the grammatical structure, making it more clear and direct.
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 major factor contributing to the decline in animal and plant populations is illegal hunting.
The revised sentence more accurately conveys the intended meaning.
RevisedThe situation can be improved by establishing protected zones for plant preservation and imposing restrictions on deforestation.
The revised sentence uses a more precise term, which improves clarity and accuracy.
RevisedGovernments should establish protected areas to promote vegetation and implement monitoring systems.
The revised sentence uses a more formal tone and a more precise verb, which improves the overall quality of the writing.
Task response
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents 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.
- Consider providing more specific examples to support your arguments.
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