Industrial agriculture has become a prominent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, reflecting its global significance. This subject frequently appears in exams, with a high likelihood of future occurrences due to its relevance to environmental, economic, and social issues. Let’s explore a sample question that encapsulates the challenges of industrial agriculture and analyze how to craft compelling responses for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This question directly relates to the challenges of industrial agriculture, as it often leads to biodiversity loss. Let’s break down the key elements:
- Two viewpoints are presented:
- The main environmental problem is the loss of specific plant and animal species.
- There are more important environmental problems.
- Task requirements:
- Discuss both views
- Provide your own opinion
To effectively answer this question, we need to explore the impact of species loss, consider other environmental issues, and form a well-reasoned opinion.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Environmental concerns have become increasingly prominent in recent years, with debates arising about which issues should take precedence. While some argue that the loss of particular plant and animal species is the most critical problem, others contend that there are more pressing environmental challenges. In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is indeed significant, it is part of a broader spectrum of interconnected environmental issues that deserve equal attention.
Those who prioritize species loss as the main environmental problem have valid reasons for their concern. The extinction of specific plants and animals can have far-reaching consequences on entire ecosystems, disrupting food chains and reducing genetic diversity. For instance, the decline of bee populations worldwide threatens not only the species itself but also the pollination of numerous crops, potentially impacting global food security. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity often indicates broader environmental degradation, serving as a warning sign for the overall health of our planet.
However, it is crucial to recognize that there are other environmental problems of equal, if not greater, importance. Climate change, for example, poses an existential threat to not just individual species but entire habitats and human societies. The rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise associated with climate change have the potential to cause widespread ecological disruption and human displacement. Additionally, issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and soil degradation are severely impacting human health and the environment on a global scale.
In my view, it is counterproductive to isolate any single environmental issue as the most important. The challenges we face are deeply interconnected, forming a complex web of cause and effect. For instance, industrial agriculture, while contributing to species loss through habitat destruction and pesticide use, also plays a significant role in climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these problems requires a holistic approach that recognizes the interdependence of various environmental factors.
In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a critical environmental concern, it should be viewed as part of a larger ecological crisis. A comprehensive approach to environmental protection, addressing multiple issues simultaneously, is essential for safeguarding our planet’s future. Only by recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental challenges can we hope to develop effective and lasting solutions.
(Word count: 365)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with sophisticated phrases like “far-reaching consequences” and “existential threat.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a variety of complex structures used accurately, with only minor errors.
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Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Environmental problems are a big concern nowadays. Some people think that losing certain types of plants and animals is the biggest issue, while others believe there are more important environmental problems. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
On one hand, the loss of plant and animal species is a serious problem. When a species disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees become extinct, many plants won’t be pollinated, which could lead to food shortages. Also, some animals and plants might have important uses in medicine that we haven’t discovered yet. Losing them means losing potential cures for diseases.
On the other hand, there are other environmental issues that some people consider more important. Climate change is a major concern because it affects the whole planet. It causes extreme weather, rising sea levels, and can make some areas unlivable. Another big problem is pollution, which harms human health and damages the environment. Plastic pollution in oceans, for instance, is killing marine life and entering our food chain.
In my opinion, it’s hard to say which environmental problem is the most important because they are all connected. Losing species is often a result of other issues like climate change and pollution. I think we need to address all these problems together to protect our environment effectively.
To conclude, while the loss of plant and animal species is a significant issue, other environmental problems are equally important. We should focus on solving all these challenges to ensure a healthy planet for the future.
(Word count: 268)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a band score of 6-7:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing and basic cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control.
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Development of Ideas: Ideas are developed, but not as fully as in the higher band essay.
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) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.
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Pollination (noun) /ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃn/: The transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to allow fertilization.
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Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
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Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
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Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
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Habitat destruction (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/: The process by which natural habitat is rendered functionally unable to support the species present.
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Holistic approach (noun phrase) /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/: An approach that considers the whole system rather than just its individual parts.
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Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/: Having all parts or elements connected or related.
Conclusion
The challenges of industrial agriculture, particularly its impact on biodiversity, are likely to remain a significant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of industrial farming on local communities
- Balancing food production and environmental protection
- The role of technology in sustainable agriculture
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, organize your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.
If you’re interested in exploring related topics, check out our articles on smart agriculture technologies and how climate change is impacting agriculture and food production.