Climate change and biodiversity loss are increasingly intertwined global challenges, making them frequent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay will focus on the Importance Of Biodiversity In Combating Climate Change, a subject that has appeared in various forms in recent IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Let’s examine a real IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this crucial topic:
Some people believe that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe it is up to each individual to protect the environment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that environmental protection is the government’s responsibility
- Discuss the view that environmental protection is each individual’s responsibility
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your position.
Sample Essays
Band 8 Essay
Environmental protection, particularly in the context of biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, is a complex issue that involves both governmental and individual responsibilities. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that while government action is crucial, individual efforts are equally important in addressing this global challenge.
Those who believe environmental protection is primarily the government’s responsibility argue that governments have the power to enact and enforce laws and regulations that can significantly impact environmental conservation. For instance, governments can implement policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect endangered species, and preserve natural habitats. They can also allocate substantial resources towards research and development of green technologies and sustainable practices. Moreover, governments can negotiate international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, to coordinate global efforts in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that environmental protection begins at the personal level. They contend that collective individual actions can lead to significant positive changes. For example, individuals can adopt sustainable lifestyles by reducing their carbon footprint, conserving energy and water, and making eco-friendly consumer choices. Furthermore, individuals can participate in local conservation efforts, such as tree planting initiatives or community recycling programs, which contribute to biodiversity preservation and climate change mitigation.
In my opinion, the most effective approach to environmental protection involves a synergy between governmental actions and individual efforts. While governments possess the authority and resources to implement large-scale environmental policies, the success of these initiatives often depends on individual compliance and support. For instance, a government may introduce strict recycling laws, but their effectiveness relies on citizens’ willingness to separate their waste properly. Similarly, individuals may be motivated to adopt sustainable practices, but they require supportive infrastructure and incentives provided by the government to make these changes feasible and appealing.
In conclusion, protecting the environment, particularly in terms of preserving biodiversity and combating climate change, is a shared responsibility between governments and individuals. By combining top-down policy measures with grassroots initiatives, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing these pressing environmental challenges.
(Word count: 329)
Band 7 Essay
The question of who should be responsible for protecting the environment is a topic of ongoing debate. While some believe it is the government’s duty, others argue that individuals should take charge. This essay will discuss both viewpoints and present my own opinion.
Those who think the government should be responsible for environmental protection have several valid points. Governments have the power to create and enforce laws that can significantly impact the environment. For example, they can set limits on pollution, protect endangered species, and create national parks to preserve biodiversity. Governments also have access to substantial resources and can fund large-scale projects to combat climate change and protect ecosystems. Additionally, they can negotiate international agreements to address global environmental issues.
On the other hand, supporters of individual responsibility argue that real change starts with personal actions. They believe that if every person makes an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, conserve energy, and make eco-friendly choices, it would lead to significant positive changes. Individuals can also participate in local environmental initiatives, such as community clean-ups or tree-planting events, which directly contribute to protecting biodiversity and fighting climate change.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals have important roles to play in environmental protection. While governments can create the necessary framework and policies, the success of these measures often depends on individual compliance and support. For example, recycling programs initiated by the government will only be effective if citizens actively participate. Similarly, individuals may be more motivated to adopt sustainable practices if the government provides incentives and infrastructure to support these choices.
To conclude, I believe that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility. Governments should provide the necessary legislation and resources, while individuals should take personal actions to reduce their environmental impact. Only by working together can we effectively address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6 Essay
The protection of the environment is a big issue today. Some people think it’s the government’s job, while others say everyone should do their part. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who say the government should protect the environment have some good reasons. The government has the power to make laws that help the environment. They can stop factories from polluting and make rules to save animals and plants. Also, the government has a lot of money to spend on big projects that can help the environment. They can build parks and clean up dirty areas.
But other people think that each person should protect the environment. They say that if everyone does small things, it can make a big difference. For example, people can recycle, use less electricity, and not waste water. They can also join groups that clean up parks or plant trees. These actions can help save animals and plants and fight climate change.
I think both the government and individuals are important for protecting the environment. The government can make good laws and start big projects. But these things only work if people follow the rules and help out. For example, if the government says we should recycle, but people don’t do it, then it doesn’t help. Also, when people care about the environment, they might vote for leaders who want to protect it.
In conclusion, I believe that both the government and individuals need to work together to protect the environment. The government should make good laws and provide resources, and people should do their part by making good choices every day. This way, we can all help to save the environment and fight climate change.
(Word count: 278)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates a high level of coherence and cohesion, with clear progression throughout. It addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. It also employs a wide range of grammatical structures with flexibility and accuracy. The occasional errors do not impede communication.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction setting out the essay structure
- Balanced discussion of both viewpoints
- Logical paragraph organization
- Sophisticated vocabulary (e.g., “synergy,” “mitigation,” “grassroots initiatives”)
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear personal opinion with supporting arguments
- Strong conclusion summarizing the main points
Band 7 Essay
This essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position throughout. It contains relevant ideas that are extended and supported. The essay is coherent and cohesive, using a range of cohesive devices and sequencing information logically. It demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction outlining the essay structure
- Discussion of both viewpoints with examples
- Logical paragraph organization
- Good use of linking words and phrases
- Clear personal opinion
- Appropriate conclusion
Areas for improvement:
- Could use more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Could provide more specific examples to support arguments
Band 6 Essay
This essay addresses the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others. The essay presents relevant ideas, but some may be inadequately developed or unclear. There is a clear overall progression, but it uses cohesive devices with some inaccuracy. The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary and grammar, but errors in word choice and sentence structure are noticeable. These errors may cause some difficulty for the reader but do not impede communication.
Key strengths:
- Addresses both viewpoints
- Provides some examples
- Expresses a personal opinion
- Has a basic essay structure with introduction and conclusion
Areas for improvement:
- Could develop ideas more fully with specific examples
- Could use more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Could improve the use of cohesive devices for better flow
- Could reduce grammatical errors
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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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment and wildlife.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase): The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˌfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.
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Carbon footprint (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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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.
In conclusion, the importance of biodiversity in combating climate change is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in various forms in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and understanding the criteria for different band scores, you can improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions. Remember to practice writing your own essays on this topic and related environmental issues. You can share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.
For more practice, consider writing essays on these related topics:
- The role of technology in preserving biodiversity
- The impact of climate change on global food security
- The importance of international cooperation in protecting endangered species
- The effectiveness of individual actions versus corporate responsibility in environmental protection
- The balance between economic development and environmental conservation
By exploring these topics, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle a wide range of environmental questions in your IELTS Writing Task 2 exam. Good luck with your studies!
