In recent years, the topic of endangered species protection has gained significant traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This trend reflects the growing global concern for biodiversity conservation in our rapidly changing world. As an IELTS instructor, I’ve observed an increasing frequency of questions related to this theme, and I predict it will continue to be a hot topic in future tests. Let’s explore some real and potential IELTS questions on this subject:
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Some people believe that protecting endangered animals is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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Many species of animals are becoming extinct. What are the causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to solve it?
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The protection of endangered species should be prioritized over economic development. Do you agree or disagree?
For this article, we’ll focus on the third question, as it encapsulates the core debate surrounding endangered species protection in our modern world.
Analyzing the Question
The protection of endangered species should be prioritized over economic development. Do you agree or disagree?
This question presents a classic dilemma in environmental ethics: the balance between conservation and economic progress. It requires you to take a stance on whether protecting endangered species should take precedence over economic development. Your response should consider:
- The importance of biodiversity
- The value of economic growth
- Potential consequences of prioritizing one over the other
- Possible ways to balance both concerns
Remember, there’s no “correct” answer. The key is to present a well-reasoned argument supported by relevant examples and logical progression.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In an era of rapid global change, the question of prioritizing endangered species protection over economic development is increasingly pertinent. While economic growth is undeniably crucial for human progress, I firmly believe that the conservation of endangered species should indeed take precedence, given the irreversible nature of extinction and the long-term benefits of maintaining biodiversity.
Firstly, the loss of endangered species can have far-reaching and often unpredictable consequences on ecosystems and, by extension, human societies. Each species plays a unique role in its habitat, and its disappearance can trigger a domino effect, disrupting food chains and altering entire ecosystems. For instance, the near-extinction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park led to an overpopulation of elk, resulting in overgrazing and significant changes to the park’s landscape. The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 helped restore the ecological balance, demonstrating the critical importance of each species in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Moreover, many endangered species hold untapped potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs. The natural world has been a source of inspiration and resources for countless innovations and treatments. The Pacific yew tree, once considered a “trash” tree, was found to contain paclitaxel, a compound now used in cancer treatments. By prioritizing the protection of endangered species, we safeguard potential future discoveries that could revolutionize medicine, technology, and other fields.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that economic development is essential for human well-being and progress. It provides jobs, improves living standards, and funds technological advancements. Nonetheless, I argue that true sustainable development should not come at the cost of irreversible ecological damage. In fact, protecting endangered species can often align with economic interests in the long run. Ecotourism, for example, has become a significant source of income for many countries, incentivizing the preservation of unique flora and fauna.
The key lies in finding innovative solutions that allow for both species protection and economic growth. Governments and businesses should invest in green technologies and sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact. For instance, Costa Rica has successfully balanced conservation and development by investing heavily in renewable energy and ecotourism, proving that economic progress and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
In conclusion, while the importance of economic development cannot be dismissed, the protection of endangered species should be given higher priority due to the irreversible nature of extinction and the cascading benefits of biodiversity conservation. By adopting a more holistic approach to development that values both economic and ecological factors, we can ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all species, including our own.
(Word count: 420)
Endangered species protection
Band 6-7 Essay
In today’s world, there is a debate about whether we should focus more on protecting endangered species or on economic development. In my opinion, while both are important, I believe that we should give more attention to saving endangered animals and plants.
One main reason for this is that once a species becomes extinct, we can never bring it back. This loss is permanent and can have serious effects on the environment. For example, if we lose important predators like tigers, it can lead to an increase in their prey animals, which can then cause problems for plants and other animals in the area. This shows how losing one species can affect the whole ecosystem.
Another point to consider is that many endangered species could be useful for humans in ways we haven’t discovered yet. Many medicines come from plants and animals, and if we let species die out, we might miss out on potential cures for diseases. This means that protecting these species could actually help us in the future.
However, I understand that economic development is also very important. It helps to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve people’s lives. But I think we can find ways to grow the economy without harming endangered species. For instance, we could focus on developing clean energy sources like solar and wind power, which don’t destroy natural habitats.
We can also create jobs in areas like ecotourism, where people pay to see rare animals and plants in their natural habitats. This way, protecting endangered species can actually help the economy. Countries like Costa Rica have shown that it’s possible to have a strong economy while also protecting nature.
In conclusion, while economic growth is necessary, I believe we should prioritize the protection of endangered species. The permanent loss of these species could have serious consequences that we might not fully understand yet. By finding ways to develop our economies that don’t harm the environment, we can achieve both goals and create a better future for everyone.
(Word count: 329)
Writing Tips
When addressing this topic, consider the following tips to enhance your essay:
For Band 8-9:
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Vocabulary: Use sophisticated and precise language related to ecology and economics. For example:
- Biodiversity
- Ecosystem services
- Sustainable development
- Ecological balance
- Economic paradigm
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Grammar: Employ complex sentence structures and a variety of tenses. For instance:
- “Had we prioritized conservation earlier, many species might not have become endangered.”
- “By protecting endangered species now, we will be safeguarding our future ecological and economic interests.”
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Argumentation: Present a nuanced argument that acknowledges both sides of the debate before clearly stating your position. Use logical connectors to ensure smooth transitions between ideas.
For Band 6-7:
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Vocabulary: Use appropriate topic-specific words, but don’t overreach. For example:
- Extinction
- Natural habitat
- Economic growth
- Environmental protection
- Ecotourism
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Grammar: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences. Ensure proper use of tenses and subject-verb agreement. For example:
- “Protecting endangered species is important because it helps maintain the balance of nature.”
- “If we focus only on economic development, we may lose many valuable species forever.”
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Argumentation: Clearly state your opinion and provide relevant examples to support your points. Use basic linking words to connect ideas within and between paragraphs.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
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Ecotourism (noun) /ˈiːkəʊtʊərɪzəm/: Tourism directed toward exotic natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
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Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms.
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Anthropogenic (adjective) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/: Originating in human activity (often used in reference to environmental change).
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Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Conclusion
The topic of protecting endangered species in our changing world is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As global awareness of environmental issues grows, you may encounter variations of this theme, such as:
- The role of technology in wildlife conservation
- Balancing urban development with habitat preservation
- International cooperation in protecting endangered species
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing clear arguments, using relevant examples, and employing appropriate vocabulary and grammatical structures. Remember to time yourself to ensure you can complete the task within the allotted 40 minutes.
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others, enhancing your preparation for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
