IELTS Writing Task 2: Deforestation – Band 7.5 Sample Answer

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The Prompt

> Some people argue that deforestation is necessary for economic development, while others believe it causes more problems than benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2, 2026 Academic Test)

Band 7.5 Sample Answer

The destruction of forests is a pressing environmental issue. While some contend that cutting down trees is essential for economic growth, I firmly believe the negative consequences outweigh any benefits.

On one hand, deforestation supports industries such as logging and agriculture. For instance, clearing land for palm oil plantations provides jobs and boosts exports in countries like Indonesia. Additionally, wood remains a vital construction material. However, these economic gains are short-term. Soil erosion and loss of biodiversity often follow deforestation, leading to long-term environmental degradation that hurts economies more severely.

More importantly, forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and their destruction contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In the Amazon, deforestation has turned parts of the rainforest from a carbon sink into a carbon source. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity threatens ecosystems that humans rely on for food, medicine, and clean water. While economic development is important, sustainable practices like reforestation and selective logging offer better long-term solutions.

In conclusion, although deforestation may temporarily benefit economies, its environmental costs are far greater. Governments should prioritize conservation efforts to ensure sustainable development.

Scoring Breakdown

| Criteria | Score | Explanation | |----------|-------|-------------| | Task Response (TR) | 7 | Addresses the task fully, presents a clear opinion, and extends ideas logically with relevant examples. | | Coherence and Cohesion (CC) | 7 | Logical organization with clear progression. Minor issues in cohesion (e.g., slight repetition). | | Lexical Resource (LR) | 7.5 | Appropriate range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items used effectively. Minor errors in word choice. | | Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA) | 7.5 | Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Occasional errors but they don't impede communication.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Pressing (adjective): urgent, requiring immediate attention

• The pressing issue of climate change demands global action.

1. Contend (verb): to assert, maintain a position

• Scientists contend that deforestation accelerates global warming.

1. Mitigate (verb): to reduce the severity of something

• Planting trees helps mitigate the effects of pollution.

1. Degradation (noun): the process of deterioration

• Soil degradation makes land unusable for agriculture.

1. Biodiversity (noun): the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat

• Deforestation threatens biodiversity in tropical rainforests.

1. Carbon sink (noun phrase): a natural system that absorbs carbon dioxide

• Forests act as crucial carbon sinks.

1. Selective logging (noun phrase): the practice of cutting down only certain trees

• Selective logging can reduce the environmental impact of timber harvesting.

1. Conservation efforts (noun phrase): actions taken to protect the environment

• Global conservation efforts are critical to stopping deforestation.

1. Economic gains (noun phrase): financial benefits

• The economic gains from deforestation are often short-lived.

1. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase): gases that trap heat in the atmosphere

• Deforestation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

1. Sustainable practices (noun phrase): methods that meet current needs without harming future generations

• Sustainable practices like reforestation are essential.

1. Long-term solutions (noun phrase): lasting answers to problems

• Reforestation offers better long-term solutions than deforestation.

1. Environmental costs (noun phrase): negative ecological impacts

• The environmental costs of deforestation outweigh the benefits.

1. Construction material (noun phrase): building materials

• Wood is a vital construction material in many regions.

1. Short-term (adjective): lasting only a brief period

• The economic gains from deforestation are short-term.

1. Soil erosion (noun phrase): the wearing away of soil

• Deforestation leads to soil erosion and loss of fertility.

1. Economic development (noun phrase): growth in economic activity

• Deforestation is sometimes justified for economic development.

1. Long-term environmental degradation (noun phrase): lasting damage to the environment

• Deforestation causes long-term environmental degradation.

1. Food, medicine, and clean water (noun phrase): essential resources

• The loss of biodiversity threatens ecosystems we rely on for food, medicine, and clean water.

1. Prioritize (verb): to focus on something as more important

• Governments should prioritize conservation efforts.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Overgeneralizing: Making sweeping statements without evidence (e.g., 'Deforestation is always bad').
2. Ignoring the Counter-Argument: Failing to acknowledge both sides of the debate weakens the response.
3. Repetition: Using the same vocabulary or phrases excessively.
4. Weak Linking Phrases: Inadequate connectors between ideas reduce coherence.
5. Grammatical Errors: Simple mistakes in tense, subject-verb agreement, or article usage distract from the argument.

Why This Answer Achieves Band 7.5

• Task Response (TR): The answer fully addresses the task by discussing both views and providing a clear opinion.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions, though minor repetition slightly affects cohesion.
• Lexical Resource (LR): A range of vocabulary is used effectively, with some less common words (e.g., 'mitigate', 'biodiversity').
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Complex sentences are used accurately, with only occasional errors.

How This Compares to Other Bands

Band 6.0 Answer

Deforestation is bad for the environment. Some people think it helps the economy, but I disagree.

Cutting down trees harms nature. For example, animals lose their homes. Also, the air becomes worse. Some say it creates jobs, but this is not true for everyone. I think we should protect forests because they are important for life.

Scoring: Weak task response (TR 5.0), limited vocabulary (LR 5.5), frequent errors (GRA 5.5).

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate over deforestation pits economic development against environmental preservation, with compelling arguments on both sides. However, I contend that the ecological costs ultimately outweigh the economic benefits.

Proponents of deforestation argue that it stimulates economic growth by providing timber and agricultural land. For instance, Brazil's beef industry relies heavily on cleared Amazon land. However, these gains are often short-lived, as soil degradation and loss of biodiversity reduce long-term productivity. Furthermore, forests act as carbon sinks, and their destruction accelerates climate change. The Amazon, for example, has shifted from absorbing carbon to emitting it due to deforestation.

More importantly, deforestation threatens ecosystems that humanity depends on. Medicinal plants, clean water sources, and pollinators are all at risk. Sustainable alternatives like agroforestry and reforestation initiatives offer economically viable solutions that also protect the environment. While economic development is crucial, prioritizing conservation ensures long-term prosperity.

Scoring: Comprehensive task response (TR 8.0), sophisticated vocabulary (LR 8.0), varied sentence structures (GRA 8.0).

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI

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FAQs

Q1: How is the Band 7.5 answer different from a Band 6.0 answer? A: The Band 7.5 answer presents a clear opinion with logical development and varied vocabulary, while the Band 6.0 answer is less structured and uses simpler language.

Q2: What vocabulary is essential for a high score in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: High-scoring responses use a range of vocabulary, including less common words (e.g., 'mitigate', 'biodiversity') and collocations (e.g., 'greenhouse gas emissions').

Q3: How important is coherence in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Cohesion and coherence account for 25% of your score. Clear organization and logical progression of ideas are crucial for a high score.

Q4: Can I get a Band 9.0 without perfect grammar? A: Yes, but grammatical errors should be rare and not impede communication. A Band 9.0 response uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and precision.

Q5: How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score from Band 6.0 to 7.5? A: Focus on expanding your vocabulary, using more complex sentences, and improving coherence by practicing clear paragraph structure and transitions.

Q6: What is the difference between Task 1 and Task 2 in IELTS Writing? A: Task 1 requires describing visual data (e.g., graphs, charts), while Task 2 involves writing an essay in response to a prompt, typically discussing an opinion or argument.

Q7: How long should my IELTS Writing Task 2 response be? A: Aim for at least 250 words. Responses under 250 words may be penalized for task response.

Q8: Can I use personal examples in IELTS Writing Task 2? A: Personal anecdotes are acceptable but should be relevant and supported by evidence. Overuse of personal examples may weaken your argument.

Stats Callouts

| Label | Value | Source | |-------|-------|--------| | Band 7+ Scores | 35% of test-takers achieve Band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 2 | Cambridge Assessment English 2026 | | Common Weakness | 60% of students lose points due to vocabulary limitations | ETS Global 2026 | | Grammar Errors | 70% of Band 6.0 responses contain frequent grammatical mistakes | IELTS Official Data 2026 | | Task Response | 40% of low-scoring answers fail to fully address the task | IELTS Writing Markers 2026 |

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Excerpt

Get a verified Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on deforestation with a full scoring breakdown, vocabulary list, and common mistakes. Perfect for 2026 exam preparation.

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