The topic of animal extinction and human intervention has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually since 2019. Based on recent examination trends, this topic is likely to continue appearing in various forms, particularly focusing on environmental conservation and ecological responsibility.
IELTS students discussing animal extinction and conservation approaches
Analyzing the Task Question
Some people believe humans should let animal species go extinct naturally, while others think we should protect them from extinction. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Examine two contrasting viewpoints about animal extinction
- Present arguments for both perspectives
- Provide your personal stance
- Support your arguments with relevant examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Debates about whether humanity should intervene to prevent species extinction or allow nature to take its course have become increasingly relevant in our modern world. While both perspectives have their merits, I strongly believe that we have a responsibility to protect endangered species from extinction.
Those who advocate for natural extinction argue that species die-out is an integral part of evolution. Throughout Earth’s history, countless species have disappeared without human intervention, making way for new, better-adapted organisms. They contend that our efforts to preserve certain species might actually interfere with natural selection and ecosystem balance. Furthermore, they suggest that conservation resources could be better allocated to addressing human needs.
However, the argument for protecting endangered species is more compelling. Firstly, many current extinctions are directly caused by human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, making us morally obligated to mitigate these impacts. Secondly, biodiversity is crucial for maintaining stable ecosystems that provide essential services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. For instance, the near-extinction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park led to significant ecological imbalances, which were only restored after their reintroduction.
Additionally, many species hold potential scientific and medical value that could benefit humanity. The Pacific Yew tree, once considered unimportant, later provided a crucial compound for cancer treatment. By allowing species to go extinct, we might lose valuable resources before discovering their significance.
In conclusion, while natural extinction is part of evolution, our current environmental crisis demands active intervention to preserve biodiversity. The consequences of inaction could be catastrophic not only for wildlife but for human survival as well.
Conservation efforts to protect endangered species worldwide
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In today’s world, many animals are becoming extinct, and people have different opinions about whether we should help them or not. I think we should try to save animals from extinction.
Some people think we should let animals die naturally. They say this is normal because many animals died in the past, like dinosaurs. They also think spending money to save animals is wasteful when many humans need help. These people believe nature can take care of itself.
However, other people, including me, think we must protect animals. First, humans cause many problems for animals by cutting trees and making pollution. This means we should help fix these problems. Also, animals are important for nature. For example, bees help plants grow by moving pollen. If bees die, we will have less food.
Another reason to save animals is that they might be useful for medicine. Some animals and plants help us make new medicines. If we let them die, we might lose these benefits. Also, many people enjoy seeing different animals in nature and zoos, which is good for tourism.
In conclusion, even though some people think we shouldn’t interfere with nature, I believe we must protect animals because we caused their problems and they are important for our world.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary use with natural flexibility
- Grammar: Wide range of complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task but with less developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary but less sophisticated
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- extinction (n) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ – the state of no longer existing
- biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – variety of plant and animal life
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – the action of becoming involved intentionally
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – biological community of organisms
- deforestation (n) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ – clearing of forests
- mitigation (n) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – reduction in severity
- pollination (n) /ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃən/ – transfer of pollen between plants
- conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ – preservation and protection
For practice, try writing your own essay about the role of zoos in preventing animal extinction. Share your essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.
