Climate change and its impact on food supplies is a pressing global issue that has gained significant attention in recent years. This topic has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its importance in contemporary discourse. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to climate change and food security will continue to appear frequently in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two viewpoints regarding environmental problems:
- The loss of biodiversity (particular species of plants and animals) is the main environmental problem.
- There are more important environmental problems than biodiversity loss.
Candidates need to explore both perspectives and then provide their own opinion. It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental issues have become increasingly prominent in recent years, with experts and the public alike debating which problems deserve the most attention. While some argue that the loss of biodiversity is the primary concern, others contend that there are more pressing environmental challenges. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own opinion.
Those who prioritize biodiversity loss argue that the extinction of plant and animal species has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human survival. They assert that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and the disappearance of even one can trigger a domino effect, disrupting entire food chains and habitats. Furthermore, biodiversity is essential for medical research, with many pharmaceutical breakthroughs derived from plant and animal sources. The loss of potentially valuable species could hinder future medical advancements.
On the other hand, proponents of the second view argue that issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion pose more immediate and severe threats to the environment and human well-being. They contend that rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise are already causing widespread ecological damage and human displacement. Moreover, air and water pollution directly impact human health, causing respiratory diseases and contaminating vital resources. These problems, they argue, require urgent attention and large-scale interventions to mitigate their effects.
In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is undoubtedly a critical issue, I believe that climate change represents the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. The far-reaching impacts of global warming on weather patterns, food production, and human habitation make it a uniquely urgent threat that exacerbates other environmental problems, including biodiversity loss. Addressing climate change through reduced greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable practices would have cascading positive effects on multiple environmental fronts.
In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is a significant concern, the comprehensive and immediate threats posed by climate change make it the most critical environmental issue to address. Tackling this overarching problem will contribute to solving many other environmental challenges, including biodiversity conservation.
(Word count: 329)
Climate change affecting food production
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Environmental problems are a big concern nowadays, and people have different opinions about which ones are the most important. Some think that losing certain plants and animals is the main problem, while others believe there are bigger issues to worry about. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
People who say losing species is the biggest problem have some good points. When plants and animals disappear, it can mess up the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could affect our food supply. Also, some animals and plants might have important uses we haven’t discovered yet, like cures for diseases. If they go extinct, we might lose those chances forever.
However, others argue that there are more serious environmental issues. They point to things like climate change, pollution, and running out of resources. Climate change is causing more extreme weather, which damages crops and homes. Pollution makes people sick and ruins nature. And if we use up all our resources, it will be hard for future generations to survive. These problems affect everyone on Earth, not just certain species.
In my opinion, I think climate change is the biggest environmental problem we face. It’s causing so many other issues, like melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns. This affects not only plants and animals but also human beings all over the world. If we don’t stop climate change, it could lead to food shortages, more natural disasters, and even wars over resources.
To sum up, while losing plant and animal species is definitely a problem, I believe climate change is a more urgent issue that needs our attention. By focusing on stopping climate change, we might also help solve other environmental problems, including saving endangered species.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Environmental problems are very important today. Some people think losing plants and animals is the biggest problem. Other people think there are more important problems. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who worry about losing plants and animals have good reasons. When animals and plants die out, it can be bad for nature. For example, if we lose bees, many plants won’t grow well. Also, some animals and plants might have medicines we don’t know about yet. If they disappear, we might not find these medicines.
But other people say there are bigger problems. They talk about climate change, pollution, and using too many resources. Climate change makes the weather very bad and damages crops. Pollution makes people sick. Using too many resources means we might not have enough in the future. These problems affect everyone in the world.
I think climate change is the biggest problem. It causes many other problems like ice melting, sea levels going up, and strange weather. This is bad for plants, animals, and people. If we don’t stop climate change, we might not have enough food and there might be more disasters.
In conclusion, losing plants and animals is a problem, but I think climate change is more important. If we try to stop climate change, we might also help solve other problems, including saving plants and animals.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Demonstrates a logical organization with clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Shows a clear overall progression, though not always well-paragraphed
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with some noticeable errors
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
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) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: 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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Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures.
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Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The presence or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
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Resource depletion (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃn/: The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Ecological balance (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/: A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable.
In conclusion, the topic of climate change and its effects on food supplies is likely to remain a significant issue in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for potential questions on this theme, consider practicing with prompts such as:
- Discuss the potential impacts of climate change on global food security.
- Some people believe that individual actions can significantly impact climate change, while others argue that only large-scale government interventions can make a difference. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- To what extent do you agree that developed countries have a responsibility to help developing nations cope with the effects of climate change on their agriculture?
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and consider sharing them in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
