The topic of plastic pollution affecting marine life has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been observed in past IELTS exams:
Some people believe that governments and individuals need to take actions to protect marine animals from extinction due to human activities such as pollution and overfishing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to express their opinion on the necessity of governmental and individual actions to protect marine animals from human-induced threats. Key points to consider:
- The main topic: Protection of marine animals
- Causes of threat: Human activities (pollution and overfishing)
- Proposed solution: Actions by governments and individuals
- Task: Agree or disagree and explain your position
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The preservation of marine life is undoubtedly one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. I strongly agree that both governments and individuals must take immediate and decisive action to protect marine animals from the devastating effects of human activities, particularly pollution and overfishing.
Governments play a crucial role in implementing and enforcing regulations to mitigate the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems. Stringent laws against plastic pollution and overfishing, coupled with heavy penalties for violators, can significantly reduce the threats to marine life. For instance, many countries have successfully banned single-use plastics, leading to a notable decrease in ocean pollution. Moreover, governments can establish marine protected areas and enforce fishing quotas to allow fish populations to recover and maintain biodiversity.
Government action against marine plastic pollution
Individuals also bear responsibility for protecting marine animals. By making conscious choices in their daily lives, such as reducing plastic consumption and opting for sustainable seafood, people can collectively make a substantial difference. Education plays a vital role in this aspect, as informed citizens are more likely to support conservation efforts and adopt environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, participating in beach clean-ups and supporting marine conservation organizations can directly contribute to the protection of marine habitats.
The synergy between governmental policies and individual actions is essential for effective marine conservation. While governments can create the framework for protection, it is the collective effort of individuals that ensures the success of these initiatives. For example, the success of plastic bag bans in many countries is largely due to the willingness of citizens to adapt their behavior and use reusable alternatives.
In conclusion, the protection of marine animals from human-induced threats requires a concerted effort from both governments and individuals. By implementing robust policies, raising awareness, and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among citizens, we can hope to reverse the damage done to our oceans and preserve marine biodiversity for future generations.
(Word count: 329)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a variety of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Moreover,” “Additionally,” “For example”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “mitigate,” “stringent,” “biodiversity,” “synergy”). There’s a good range of less common words used appropriately.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.
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Development and Support: Each main idea is well-developed with specific examples and explanations, demonstrating in-depth understanding of the issue.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that governments and people need to take action to protect marine animals from dying out because of human activities like pollution and overfishing. These problems are causing a lot of harm to sea life and we need to do something about it.
Governments have an important job in making rules to stop pollution and overfishing. They can make laws to stop people from throwing plastic into the sea and catch too many fish. For example, some countries have banned plastic bags, which helps reduce ocean pollution. Governments can also make protected areas in the sea where fishing is not allowed, so fish can have a safe place to live and grow.
Individual action for marine conservation
People can also help protect marine animals in their daily lives. We can use less plastic and choose to eat fish that is caught in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. When people learn about the problems facing marine animals, they are more likely to want to help. Many people join beach clean-ups or give money to groups that work to protect the oceans.
When governments and people work together, it’s easier to protect marine animals. The government can make rules, but it’s up to people to follow them and change their habits. For instance, when governments ban plastic bags, people need to remember to bring their own reusable bags when they go shopping.
In conclusion, I believe that both governments and individuals need to take action to protect marine animals from extinction. By making and following rules, and changing our daily habits, we can help save sea life for the future.
(Word count: 282)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “and”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “extinction”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main ideas are supported with examples, but they could be more specific and detailed for a higher band score.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Marine ecosystem (noun) /məˈriːn ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: The community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment in the sea.
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural resources.
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Overfishing (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈfɪʃɪŋ/: The practice of catching too many fish in an area, resulting in a depletion of fish stocks.
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Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/: Strict, precise, and exacting.
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Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/: To make less severe, serious, or painful.
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Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/: The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations or agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
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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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Reusable (adjective) /riːˈjuːzəbl/: Able to be used again or more than once.
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Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
In conclusion, the issue of marine plastic pollution and its impact on marine life is a critical topic that is likely to continue appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing ocean pollution
- The impact of microplastics on marine food chains
- Balancing economic interests with marine conservation efforts
- The effectiveness of plastic bans in protecting marine ecosystems
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.
