Biodiversity and ecosystem balance are increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent exam trends, questions related to the Importance Of Biodiversity In Maintaining Ecosystem Balance have appeared with moderate frequency and are likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that has been reported in past IELTS exams:
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.
While this question doesn’t explicitly mention biodiversity, it provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance within the context of environmental protection. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
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
A well-structured essay should address all these points while incorporating relevant examples and arguments related to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental protection, particularly the preservation of biodiversity for maintaining ecosystem balance, is a critical issue that has sparked debate over who bears the primary responsibility. While some argue that governments should take the lead, others believe individuals play a crucial role. In my opinion, both parties have essential responsibilities, but government action is paramount for effective environmental conservation.
Those who advocate for government responsibility argue that only national and local authorities have the power and resources to implement large-scale environmental policies. Governments can enact and enforce laws to protect endangered species, regulate industries that threaten biodiversity, and establish protected areas to preserve critical ecosystems. For instance, the creation of marine protected areas has been instrumental in protecting marine ecosystems for biodiversity, allowing depleted fish populations to recover and maintaining the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. Additionally, governments can allocate substantial funds for research and conservation efforts that individual citizens simply cannot match.
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that environmental protection starts at the grassroots level. They contend that collective individual actions can have a significant impact on preserving biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem balance. For example, people can make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives, such as reducing plastic use, supporting sustainable products, and participating in local conservation efforts. These actions, when adopted by many, can contribute to addressing deforestation in critical ecosystems and reducing the overall human impact on biodiversity.
Importance of biodiversity in ecosystem balance
In my view, while individual actions are undoubtedly important, government leadership is crucial for effective environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Governments have the unique ability to create and enforce comprehensive policies that can address environmental issues on a national and global scale. They can also coordinate international efforts, which is essential for tackling global challenges like climate change that directly impact biodiversity. However, the most effective approach would be a synergy between government initiatives and individual actions, where policies encourage and support environmentally responsible behavior among citizens.
In conclusion, protecting the environment and preserving biodiversity for ecosystem balance requires a collaborative effort. While governments must take the lead in creating and implementing policies, individuals also have a responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and support conservation efforts. This combined approach is our best hope for safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of our ecosystems.
(Word count: 461)
Essay 1 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 clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms related to biodiversity and ecosystem balance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Argument and Critical Thinking: The essay presents a balanced and nuanced argument, acknowledging the importance of both government and individual actions while providing a clear personal stance.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In today’s world, protecting the environment is a big issue. Some people think it’s the government’s job, while others say everyone should do their part. I believe both the government and individuals have important roles to play in protecting the environment and keeping ecosystems balanced.
Those who think it’s the government’s responsibility say that only governments have the power to make big changes. They can make laws to protect endangered animals and plants, stop companies from polluting, and create national parks. For example, governments can make rules about protecting forests for maintaining biodiversity. They also have money to spend on research and conservation projects that normal people can’t afford.
On the other hand, people who believe it’s up to individuals say that everyone can make a difference. They think that if many people make small changes in their daily lives, it can have a big impact on the environment. For instance, people can recycle, use less plastic, and choose products that don’t harm nature. These small actions can help protect different species and keep ecosystems healthy.
Individual actions for environmental protection
In my opinion, both the government and individuals need to work together to protect the environment effectively. Governments should make laws and provide resources for big projects, while individuals should make eco-friendly choices in their daily lives. This way, we can have a bigger impact on protecting biodiversity and keeping our ecosystems balanced.
To conclude, protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility. Governments need to lead with strong policies, but individuals also need to do their part. By working together, we have a better chance of saving our planet’s biodiversity and keeping our ecosystems healthy for the future.
(Word count: 329)
Essay 2 Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion could be more in-depth.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good accuracy.
Development and Support: Main points are supported with examples, but they could be more detailed.
Argument and Critical Thinking: The essay presents a balanced view and a clear opinion, but the argument could be more nuanced.
Key Vocabulary for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Balance
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on earth as a whole.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and the ecological communities that inhabit them.
Endangered species (noun phrase) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd ˈspiːʃiːz/: A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.
Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Ecological balance (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/: A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession.
Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/: Capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution.
Ecosystem services (noun phrase) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services.
In conclusion, the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. By understanding the key concepts and practicing with sample essays like those provided, you can improve your ability to discuss this topic effectively. Remember to incorporate relevant examples and vocabulary to strengthen your arguments.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as “The importance of biodiversity in combating climate change” or “why biodiversity should be prioritized in environmental policies“. You can share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice will help you develop the skills needed to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
