Urbanization and its impact on biodiversity in cities is a crucial topic that has been appearing with increasing frequency in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on environmental issues, we can expect this theme to continue featuring prominently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that the rapid growth of cities has a negative impact on the environment and wildlife. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss the relationship between urban expansion and its effects on the environment and wildlife. Key points to consider:
- The statement presents a negative view of urban growth.
- Candidates must express their level of agreement or disagreement.
- The response should address both environmental and wildlife impacts.
- Examples and specific impacts should be provided to support the argument.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The rapid expansion of urban areas is indeed a double-edged sword, bringing both progress and environmental challenges. While I largely agree that unchecked urban growth can negatively impact the environment and wildlife, I believe that with proper planning and sustainable practices, these adverse effects can be mitigated.
Undoubtedly, the uncontrolled growth of cities often leads to significant environmental degradation. As urban areas expand, natural habitats are destroyed to make way for housing, infrastructure, and industrial zones. This urbanization contributes to environmental degradation through increased pollution, deforestation, and the loss of green spaces. For instance, the rapid development of megacities like São Paulo has resulted in the destruction of large portions of the Atlantic Forest, a biodiversity hotspot home to numerous endangered species.
Furthermore, urban expansion frequently disrupts wildlife ecosystems and migration patterns. As cities encroach upon natural areas, animals are forced to adapt to urban environments or face extinction. This can lead to human-wildlife conflicts and a decrease in biodiversity.
However, it is crucial to note that urban growth does not inevitably lead to environmental destruction. With proper urban planning and a commitment to sustainability, cities can expand while minimizing their impact on the environment and wildlife. Green building practices, the creation of urban wildlife corridors, and the implementation of strict environmental regulations can help balance urban development with conservation efforts. Singapore, for instance, has successfully integrated green spaces and wildlife-friendly features into its urban landscape, proving that cities can grow without sacrificing biodiversity.
In conclusion, while I agree that rapid urban growth often negatively impacts the environment and wildlife, I believe that these effects can be mitigated through sustainable urban planning and conservation efforts. It is imperative that as our cities continue to expand, we prioritize the protection of natural habitats and the preservation of biodiversity to ensure a harmonious coexistence between urban development and the natural world.
(Word count: 365)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and progression of ideas, which are key criteria for a high band score. Here’s why this essay would likely receive a Band 8-9:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a balanced discussion of both negative impacts and potential solutions.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and there are effective linking words and phrases (e.g., “Undoubtedly,” “Furthermore,” “However”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “double-edged sword,” “unchecked urban growth,” “biodiversity hotspot”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, conditional statements).
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Examples: Specific, relevant examples are provided to support the arguments (São Paulo, Indian cities, Singapore).
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Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s position.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I mostly agree that the fast growth of cities has bad effects on the environment and wildlife. This is because when cities get bigger, they take up more land and use more resources, which can harm nature.
One of the main problems is that as cities grow, they destroy natural habitats. For example, when new buildings and roads are built, trees are cut down and animals lose their homes. This can make some species disappear from the area. Also, bigger cities mean more pollution from cars and factories, which can harm plants and animals.
Another issue is that wildlife often can’t adapt to city life. Some animals might try to live in the city, but they face many dangers like traffic and lack of food. For instance, in some cities, birds crash into tall buildings because they can’t see the glass.
However, not all urban growth is bad for the environment. Some cities are trying to be more eco-friendly by planting trees and creating parks. They also make laws to protect nature. For example, some cities have rules about how many trees must be planted when new buildings are constructed.
In conclusion, while I agree that rapid city growth often harms the environment and wildlife, I think there are ways to make cities grow without causing so much damage. It’s important for city planners to think about nature when they design new urban areas.
(Word count: 245)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates good control of language and addresses the task, but lacks some of the sophistication and depth of the higher band essay. Here’s why this essay would likely receive a Band 6-7:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, but the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression of ideas, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repetitive use of “also” and “for example”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay (e.g., repeated use of “bad” instead of more precise terms).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility and range of the Band 8-9 essay.
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Examples: Examples are provided, but they are more general and less specific compared to the higher band essay.
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Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the main points but is less nuanced than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Habitat fragmentation (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃn/: The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants.
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Sustainable development (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
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Urban sprawl (noun phrase) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.
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Green infrastructure (noun phrase) /ɡriːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/: A network of green spaces and other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services.
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity and can help elevate the quality of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on this topic.
In conclusion, the topic of urbanization and its effects on biodiversity in cities is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of urban planning in preserving biodiversity
- Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation in cities
- Innovative solutions for creating wildlife-friendly urban spaces
Remember to support your arguments with specific examples and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. As a practical exercise, try writing your own essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
