The topic of endangered species protection is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. It has appeared in various forms over the years, reflecting its importance in global environmental discussions. Based on past trends and current environmental concerns, it’s likely that this topic will continue to be featured in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a specific question related to this theme and analyze some sample essays.

Some people believe that governments should implement stricter laws to protect endangered species. Others think there are more important issues to focus on. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question asks you to discuss two contrasting viewpoints:

1. Governments should implement stricter laws to protect endangered species.
2. There are more important issues for governments to focus on.

You are required to discuss both perspectives and then provide your own opinion. This is a classic example of an IELTS Writing Task 2 discussion essay.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

The preservation of endangered species is a critical environmental concern that has sparked debate about governmental priorities. While some argue for stricter laws to protect these species, others believe there are more pressing issues that demand attention. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective.

Proponents of stricter laws argue that biodiversity is crucial for ecological balance and human well-being. They contend that the extinction of species can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting food chains and ecosystems. For instance, the disappearance of bees could devastate crop pollination, affecting global food security. Moreover, many endangered species have potential medicinal value that could be lost forever if they become extinct. Stricter laws could help prevent poaching, habitat destruction, and other human activities that threaten these species.

On the other hand, those who prioritize other issues argue that governments have limited resources and must focus on immediate human needs. They maintain that problems such as poverty, healthcare, and education require urgent attention and substantial funding. From this perspective, allocating resources to protect endangered species might seem like a luxury when many people lack basic necessities. Additionally, some argue that natural selection and extinction are part of evolution, and human intervention might disrupt these natural processes.

In my opinion, while human welfare is undoubtedly important, the protection of endangered species should not be viewed as a separate or less critical issue. The two are intrinsically linked, as human well-being depends on a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Stricter laws to protect endangered species can coexist with efforts to address other societal problems. In fact, conservation efforts often create job opportunities and can stimulate local economies through ecotourism.

In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I believe that implementing stricter laws to protect endangered species is crucial. Governments should strive to balance immediate human needs with long-term environmental sustainability, recognizing that the two are not mutually exclusive but rather interdependent goals.

(Word count: 309)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.

2. Balanced argument: Both perspectives are discussed thoroughly before the writer presents their own opinion.

3. Coherence and cohesion: The essay uses a range of cohesive devices and clear topic sentences to guide the reader through the argument.

4. Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “biodiversity,” “ecological balance,” “far-reaching consequences”).

5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.

6. Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended ideas.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Many people think that governments should make stricter laws to protect endangered animals, while others believe there are more important things to worry about. This essay will discuss both sides of this argument and give my opinion.

On one hand, those who support stricter laws for endangered species protection have good reasons. Animals are important for the environment and for keeping nature balanced. If we lose too many species, it could cause problems for ecosystems and even for humans. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could affect our food supply. Also, some endangered animals might have medicines in them that we haven’t discovered yet. Stricter laws could help stop people from killing these animals or destroying their homes.

On the other hand, people who think there are more important issues have a point too. Governments have limited money and time, and there are many serious problems in the world. Things like poverty, health care, and education need a lot of attention and resources. Some might say that it’s more important to help people who don’t have enough food or clean water than to spend money on animals. Also, some people think that extinction is just a natural part of how animals evolve over time.

In my opinion, I think both issues are important, but we should try to protect endangered species more. While it’s true that human problems are serious, we can’t ignore the environment because it affects us too. If we don’t take care of nature, it could cause bigger problems for humans in the future. I believe governments can find ways to address both human needs and animal protection at the same time.

To conclude, while there are arguments for both sides, I think implementing stricter laws to protect endangered species is necessary. Governments should try to balance helping people and protecting the environment because both are connected to our future.

(Word count: 309)

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

2. Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and giving an opinion.

3. Coherence and cohesion: The essay uses some cohesive devices, though not as sophisticated as in the Band 8-9 essay.

4. Lexical resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.

5. Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors that do not impede communication.

6. Ideas development: Ideas are relevant but less fully extended compared to the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat

2. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

3. Extinction (noun) – /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist

4. Poaching (noun) – /ˈpəʊtʃɪŋ/ – the illegal practice of hunting or stealing wild animals

5. Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas

6. Habitat destruction (noun phrase) – /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/ – the process by which natural habitat is damaged or destroyed to such an extent that it no longer supports the species present

7. Ecotourism (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/ – tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife

8. Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources

Endangered species protection efforts

Conclusion

The topic of endangered species protection is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Future questions might explore related themes such as:

• The role of international cooperation in protecting endangered species
• The economic impact of conservation efforts
• Balancing development needs with environmental protection
• The ethics of species preservation in the face of climate change

To practice, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article or on one of the suggested future topics. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Remember, regular practice is key to improving your IELTS Writing skills!

For more information on wildlife protection measures, you can check out this article on IELTS.net.