Overfishing and its impact on ocean ecosystems is a crucial environmental topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 several times in recent years. Based on past exam trends and the growing global concern for marine conservation, it’s likely that this subject will continue to be featured in future IELTS tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been reported in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that it is acceptable to use animals for the benefit of human beings. Others, however, argue that it is wrong to exploit animals for human purposes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question, while not directly mentioning overfishing, allows candidates to discuss the exploitation of marine life through overfishing as a prime example of using animals for human benefit. Let’s analyze the question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that using animals for human benefit is acceptable
- Discuss the opposing view that exploiting animals for human purposes is wrong
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
A well-structured essay should include an introduction, two body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a paragraph stating the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The challenge lies in providing balanced arguments and supporting them with relevant examples, such as overfishing and its effects on ocean ecosystems.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over the ethical treatment of animals, particularly in the context of human exploitation, is a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some argue that utilizing animals for human benefit is justifiable, others contend that it is morally wrong to exploit animals for any purpose. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of animal utilization often argue that humans, as the dominant species, have the right to use animals for their benefit. They contend that practices such as animal farming, medical research, and even commercial fishing are necessary for human progress and survival. For instance, the fishing industry provides livelihoods for millions of people worldwide and is a crucial source of protein for many populations. Moreover, they argue that responsible use of animals, with proper regulations in place, can be sustainable and ethical.
On the other hand, those against animal exploitation argue that animals have intrinsic rights and should not be treated as mere resources for human use. They point out the cruelty and suffering inflicted on animals in various industries, including the devastating effects of overfishing on ocean ecosystems. Overfishing has led to the depletion of many fish species, disrupted marine food chains, and caused significant damage to coral reefs and other underwater habitats. This perspective emphasizes the need for humans to coexist harmoniously with nature rather than dominating it.
Effects of overfishing on ocean ecosystems
In my opinion, while I acknowledge the historical and current dependence of humans on animals, I believe we have reached a point where we must seriously reconsider our relationship with the natural world. The how climate change affects ocean ecosystems is a prime example of how human activities can have far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences. We need to strike a balance between meeting human needs and preserving the integrity of ecosystems.
In conclusion, the issue of animal exploitation is complex and multifaceted. While there are arguments for the controlled use of animals to benefit humanity, the increasing awareness of animal rights and the devastating environmental impacts of practices like overfishing call for a reevaluation of our approach. Moving forward, we must prioritize sustainable practices, invest in alternatives to animal exploitation, and strive for a more ethical and environmentally conscious relationship with the animal kingdom.
(Word count: 416)
Essay 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 viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “contentious issue,” “intrinsic rights,” and “far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, particularly the discussion of overfishing and its impacts.
This essay would likely score in the Band 8-9 range due to its sophisticated approach to the topic, excellent use of language, and clear, logical structure.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The use of animals for human benefit is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s okay to use animals for human needs, while others believe it’s wrong. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who support using animals for human benefit say that it’s necessary for our survival and progress. They argue that we need animals for food, clothing, and medical research. For example, fishing provides jobs for many people and is an important source of food in many countries. They also say that if we use animals responsibly and follow rules, it can be done in a way that doesn’t harm the environment too much.
On the other hand, those against animal exploitation believe that animals have rights and shouldn’t be used just for human purposes. They point out that many industries that use animals cause them to suffer. One big example is overfishing, which is causing a lot of problems in the oceans. Overfishing means catching too many fish, which leads to fewer fish in the sea and damages the whole ocean environment. This view says that humans should try to live in harmony with nature instead of just using it.
Overfishing impacts on marine life
In my opinion, I think we need to find a balance between using animals for human needs and protecting the environment. While it’s true that we have relied on animals for a long time, we now know that some of our actions are causing serious damage to nature. The importance of protecting the oceans is clear when we see the problems caused by overfishing. We should look for ways to meet our needs without harming animals and the environment so much.
To conclude, the issue of using animals for human benefit is complicated. There are reasons why people think it’s necessary, but we also need to consider the rights of animals and the impact on the environment. In the future, we should try to find more sustainable ways to meet our needs without causing so much harm to animals and nature.
(Word count: 390)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good competence in several areas:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a central topic, though the linking of ideas could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a sufficient range of vocabulary, though with less sophistication than the Band 8-9 essay. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary (e.g., “exploitation,” “harmony with nature”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are no major grammatical errors, though the range is less varied than in higher band scores.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported with examples, particularly the discussion of overfishing. However, the development is less thorough than in the higher band essay.
This essay would likely score in the Band 6-7 range. It demonstrates a good understanding of the topic and addresses all parts of the task, but lacks the sophistication and depth of a higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Overfishing (noun) /ˌəʊvəˈfɪʃɪŋ/: The depletion of fish stocks through excessive fishing.
Exploitation (noun) /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/: The action of making use of and benefiting from resources.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Marine (adjective) /məˈriːn/: Relating to or found in the sea.
Depletion (noun) /dɪˈpliːʃn/: The reduction or decrease in numbers or quantity of something.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Intrinsic (adjective) /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/: Belonging naturally; essential.
These vocabulary items are crucial for discussing the effects of overfishing on ocean ecosystems and can be used to enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays on similar environmental topics.
Conclusion
The topic of overfishing and its impact on ocean ecosystems is a significant environmental issue that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their structures, vocabulary, and argument development, you can improve your own writing skills for similar topics.
To further prepare, consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of government regulations in preventing overfishing
- The economic impact of declining fish populations on coastal communities
- Sustainable fishing practices and their potential to preserve marine ecosystems
- The ethics of industrial-scale fishing in international waters
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and develop your ideas with relevant examples and explanations. Practice writing essays on these topics and don’t hesitate to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and further discussion.
Sustainable fishing practices
As you continue to study and practice, keep in mind how to protect marine ecosystems and consider The impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems as well. These related topics can provide additional context and examples to enrich your essays on overfishing and marine conservation.