Climate change and its impact on natural disasters is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global concern over this issue, it’s highly likely that questions related to this topic will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
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.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss two viewpoints on environmental problems:
- The loss of biodiversity (particular species of plants and animals) as the main issue
- Other environmental problems being more significant
Candidates need to explore both perspectives and provide their own opinion, supported by relevant examples and reasoning.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental concerns have become increasingly prominent in recent years, with debates arising over which issues should take precedence. While some argue that the loss of biodiversity is the primary problem, others contend that there are more pressing environmental challenges. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on the matter.
Those who prioritize biodiversity loss as the main environmental issue argue that the extinction of plant and animal species has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human survival. They point out that each species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and their disappearance can trigger a domino effect, disrupting entire food chains and habitats. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity reduces our potential for discovering new medicines and developing resilient crops, which are vital for human health and food security.
On the other hand, proponents of the opposing view argue that other environmental problems, such as climate change, pose a more immediate and existential threat to our planet. They contend that rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise have the potential to cause widespread destruction, displace millions of people, and exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. Furthermore, they argue that addressing climate change would indirectly help preserve biodiversity by mitigating habitat destruction and reducing ecosystem stress.
In my opinion, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a critical issue, I believe that climate change represents the most urgent and all-encompassing environmental challenge of our time. The impact of climate change on natural disasters is already evident, with more frequent and severe storms, floods, and droughts affecting communities worldwide. These climate-driven catastrophes not only threaten human lives and livelihoods but also accelerate the loss of biodiversity by destroying habitats and pushing species to the brink of extinction.
Moreover, climate change acts as a multiplier, exacerbating other environmental problems and creating a cascade of negative effects. For instance, rising temperatures contribute to ocean acidification, which in turn threatens marine biodiversity. By focusing on mitigating climate change, we can simultaneously address multiple environmental issues, including biodiversity loss.
In conclusion, while the extinction of plant and animal species is a significant concern, I believe that climate change represents the most pressing environmental problem of our time. Its far-reaching impacts on ecosystems, human societies, and global stability make it imperative that we prioritize climate action. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable future that protects both biodiversity and human well-being.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, many people are concerned about environmental problems. Some think that losing certain plants and animals is the biggest issue, while others believe there are more important environmental problems. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, those who worry about losing species say it’s very important because every plant and animal has a role in nature. When we lose one species, it can affect others and change the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees disappear, many plants won’t be pollinated, which could lead to food shortages. Also, some animals and plants might have ingredients that could be used for new medicines.
On the other hand, people who think there are bigger environmental problems often point to things like climate change, pollution, and deforestation. They say these issues affect the whole planet and can cause serious problems for humans and nature. For instance, climate change is making storms more severe, causing floods and droughts that destroy homes and farms. Pollution in the air and water makes people sick and harms animals too.
In my opinion, I think that climate change is the biggest environmental problem we face today. It’s affecting everything on Earth, including plants, animals, and humans. The changing weather patterns and rising temperatures are making it hard for many species to survive, which means it’s also causing biodiversity loss. If we focus on solving climate change, we can help protect endangered species and solve other environmental problems at the same time.
To conclude, while losing plant and animal species is a serious issue, I believe that climate change is an even bigger problem that needs our attention. By working to stop climate change, we can help protect biodiversity and create a healthier planet for all living things.
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.
First, some people worry about losing plants and animals. They think it’s bad because all living things are connected. If one animal or plant disappears, it can cause problems for others. For example, if trees are cut down, birds and animals lose their homes. Also, some plants might have medicine that we haven’t found yet.
Second, other people think there are bigger problems. They worry about things like pollution, climate change, and cutting down forests. These problems can hurt many people and animals. For example, pollution makes the air dirty and people get sick. Climate change makes the weather very hot or very cold, which is bad for everyone.
I think both ideas are important, but I agree more with the second one. I believe climate change is the biggest problem because it affects everything on Earth. It makes the weather very strange and causes more natural disasters like floods and storms. This is bad for people, animals, and plants. If we fix climate change, we can help solve other problems too.
In conclusion, while losing plants and animals is a big problem, I think climate change is even bigger. We need to work on stopping climate change to help the environment and all living things.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent command of language and task achievement:
- Addresses all parts of the task with a fully developed position
- Presents a well-structured argument with logical progression
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
- Employs a variety of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Cohesive devices are used effectively throughout
- Demonstrates awareness of style and collocation
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task:
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Addresses both views, though development may be uneven
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has some errors, but they do not impede communication
- Presents a clear central topic within each paragraph
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary
- Makes an effort to use some complex sentences
- Has frequent errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses paragraphing, but not always logically
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.
Habitat destruction (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃən/: The process by which natural habitats are damaged or destroyed, making it difficult for native species to survive.
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
Cascade (noun) /kæˈskeɪd/: A process whereby something, typically information or knowledge, is successively passed on.
Imperative (adjective) /ɪmˈperətɪv/: Of vital importance; crucial.
Conclusion
The topic of climate change and its impact on natural disasters is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in addressing climate change
- The economic impacts of climate-related natural disasters
- The effectiveness of international agreements in combating global warming
- The challenges of balancing environmental protection with economic development
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.