The topic of industrial farming’s impact on the environment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Its frequency in past exams and relevance to current global issues suggest a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis, focusing on a specific question that exemplifies the challenges test-takers might face.
Industrial farming environmental impact
Analyzing the Question
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.
This question addresses the broader environmental impacts of human activities, including industrial farming. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that loss of biodiversity is the main environmental problem.
- Explore other significant environmental issues.
- Provide a personal opinion on which environmental problems are most crucial.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over which environmental issue deserves the most attention is complex and multifaceted. While some argue that the extinction of plant and animal species is our primary concern, others contend that we face more pressing environmental challenges. In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is indeed critical, it is but one aspect of a larger, interconnected environmental crisis that demands equal attention.
Those who prioritize species loss as the main environmental problem have valid concerns. The extinction of plant and animal species can have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems, food chains, and even human survival. For instance, the disappearance of pollinator species like bees could devastate agricultural production, threatening food security worldwide. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity reduces the planet’s resilience to environmental changes and limits potential discoveries in fields such as medicine, where many treatments have origins in nature.
However, proponents of the view that other environmental issues take precedence also present compelling arguments. Climate change, for example, poses an existential threat to human civilization and countless species. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise not only endanger human habitats but also accelerate biodiversity loss. Additionally, pollution of air, water, and soil directly impacts human health and contributes to species extinction. Deforestation, often driven by industrial farming, exacerbates both climate change and biodiversity loss, demonstrating the interconnected nature of these issues.
In my assessment, it is crucial to recognize that these environmental problems are deeply intertwined and mutually reinforcing. The loss of biodiversity, climate change, pollution, and deforestation are all symptoms of unsustainable human activities, including industrial farming practices. Addressing one issue in isolation is unlikely to yield comprehensive solutions. Instead, a holistic approach that tackles multiple environmental challenges simultaneously is necessary.
For instance, initiatives to reduce industrial farming’s impact on the environment can simultaneously address biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices, we can preserve habitats, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize chemical runoff into waterways. This approach not only protects endangered species but also ensures the long-term viability of our food systems and the health of our planet.
In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a critical environmental issue, it should not be viewed in isolation from other pressing concerns. The most effective environmental strategies will address the interconnected nature of these problems, recognizing that solutions must be comprehensive and multifaceted to truly protect our planet’s future.
(Word count: 398)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
-
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. It offers a nuanced perspective that acknowledges the interconnectedness of environmental issues.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively, ensuring smooth transitions between ideas.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise, with words like “multifaceted,” “existential threat,” and “mutually reinforcing” demonstrating a wide lexical range.
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. It effectively uses conditional sentences, relative clauses, and other advanced grammatical constructions.
-
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of thought and analysis.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about which environmental problem is the most important today. Some people think that losing certain types of plants and animals is the biggest issue, while others believe there are more serious environmental problems. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, the loss of plant and animal species is a very serious problem. When animals and plants disappear, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t be pollinated, which could affect our food supply. Also, some animals and plants might have uses we haven’t discovered yet, like new medicines.
On the other hand, there are other big environmental problems that some people think are more important. Climate change is a major issue that affects the whole planet. It causes things like rising sea levels and extreme weather, which can harm both humans and animals. Pollution is another big problem that affects our health and the environment. For instance, air pollution in cities can make people sick, and plastic pollution in the oceans kills marine life.
In my opinion, all these environmental problems are connected and equally important. Losing plant and animal species is often caused by other problems like climate change and pollution. For example, industrial farming can cause pollution and contribute to climate change, which then leads to loss of habitats and species. I think we need to address all these issues together to protect the environment.
To conclude, while the loss of plant and animal species is a serious issue, I believe it’s part of a bigger environmental crisis. We should focus on solving all these problems together, including the impacts of things like industrial farming, to protect our planet for the future.
(Word count: 292)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has room for improvement:
-
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the analysis could be more in-depth.
-
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but could benefit from more sophisticated linking words.
-
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores. There’s some repetition (e.g., “big problem”).
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy. However, it could demonstrate a wider range of structures.
-
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with examples, but could be expanded upon for a higher score.
Key Vocabulary
-
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
-
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
-
Pollinator (noun) /ˈpɒlɪneɪtə(r)/: An animal that moves pollen from one flower to another, aiding in plant reproduction.
-
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
-
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.
-
Industrial farming (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdʌstriəl ˈfɑːmɪŋ/: Large-scale, intensive agricultural production focused on efficiency and high yields.
-
Climate change (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures.
-
Habitat loss (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/: The destruction or alteration of natural environments where species live.
-
Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The presence or introduction of harmful substances into the environment.
-
Ecosystem resilience (noun phrase) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity of an ecosystem to respond to disturbances by resisting damage and recovering quickly.
Conclusion
The Impact Of Industrial Farming On The Environment is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, often intersecting with broader environmental issues. As demonstrated in the sample essays, this subject allows for rich discussion on biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and sustainable practices. To excel in such questions, candidates should:
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental issues.
- Provide specific examples related to industrial farming and its environmental impacts.
- Use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.
- Develop ideas fully with relevant supporting points and examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of technology in mitigating the environmental impacts of industrial farming.
- The balance between food security and environmental protection in agricultural practices.
- The responsibility of consumers in driving sustainable farming practices.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills and deepen your understanding of this critical environmental issue.
