Urbanization and its effects on natural ecosystems is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and trends, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests due to its relevance to global environmental concerns. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that the rapid growth of cities is destroying natural habitats and endangering wildlife. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss the relationship between urban expansion and its impact on nature. Key points to consider:
- The main topic: Urban growth and its effects on natural habitats and wildlife
- The task: Express your level of agreement or disagreement
- Key areas to address:
- How urbanization affects natural habitats
- The impact on wildlife
- Possible counterarguments or mitigating factors
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The rapid expansion of urban areas is undeniably having a profound impact on the natural world, and I strongly agree that this growth is decimating habitats and posing a severe threat to wildlife. This essay will explore the various ways in which urbanization is affecting ecosystems and discuss the long-term implications of this trend.
Firstly, the physical expansion of cities is directly destroying natural habitats. As urban areas grow, they encroach upon forests, wetlands, and grasslands, converting these diverse ecosystems into concrete jungles. This process, known as urban sprawl, not only reduces the total area of natural habitats but also fragments existing ones, creating isolated patches that are less able to support diverse wildlife populations. For instance, the expansion of cities like São Paulo in Brazil has led to significant deforestation in the Atlantic Forest, home to numerous endemic species.
Moreover, urbanization indirectly affects ecosystems through pollution and climate change. Cities are major sources of air, water, and soil pollution, which can have far-reaching effects on surrounding natural areas. Urban heat islands, created by the concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces in cities, can alter local climates and disrupt natural cycles. These changes can make habitats inhospitable for native species, forcing them to adapt, migrate, or face extinction.
The impact on wildlife is equally severe. As natural habitats shrink and become fragmented, many species struggle to find adequate food, shelter, and breeding grounds. This leads to a decline in biodiversity and can disrupt entire food chains. Urban expansion also increases human-wildlife conflict, as animals are forced into closer proximity with human settlements. This often results in increased mortality rates for wildlife due to road accidents, hunting, and other human-related causes.
However, it is important to note that some cities are making efforts to mitigate these negative effects. Urban planning initiatives that incorporate green spaces, wildlife corridors, and sustainable building practices can help preserve biodiversity within city limits. Projects such as vertical gardens and rooftop habitats demonstrate that urban development and wildlife conservation are not mutually exclusive.
In conclusion, while there are some efforts to address the issue, the overall impact of rapid urban growth on natural habitats and wildlife is undeniably destructive. It is crucial that we prioritize sustainable urban development and conservation efforts to ensure that our cities can coexist with, rather than destroy, the natural world around them.
(Word count: 378)
Urbanization's impact on natural ecosystems
Band 6-7 Essay
I agree that the fast growth of cities is harming natural habitats and putting wildlife in danger. This is happening in many ways and is a big problem for the environment.
One main reason is that when cities grow, they take up more land. This means that forests, fields, and wetlands are destroyed to make room for buildings and roads. Animals that lived in these areas lose their homes and have nowhere to go. For example, in many countries, forests are being cut down to build new housing estates, which leaves animals without food and shelter.
Another problem is pollution from cities. As cities get bigger, they produce more pollution from cars, factories, and waste. This pollution can spread to nearby natural areas and harm plants and animals. For instance, air pollution can make it hard for some plants to grow, and water pollution can kill fish and other water animals.
Cities also change the local environment in ways that affect wildlife. They create what is called an “urban heat island” effect, where the city is much warmer than the surrounding countryside. This can change the types of plants and animals that can live in the area. Some animals might not be able to survive in these new, warmer conditions.
However, some cities are trying to help nature. They are creating parks and green spaces within the city to give animals places to live. Some buildings now have green roofs or walls that can support plants and small animals. These efforts show that it’s possible to have cities and still protect nature to some extent.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that the rapid growth of cities is causing serious problems for natural habitats and wildlife. While some efforts are being made to help, more needs to be done to protect nature as our cities continue to grow.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay
I think that the fast growing of cities is really bad for nature and animals. There are many reasons why this is happening and it’s a big problem.
First, when cities get bigger, they take away land from animals. This means that forests and fields are destroyed to build houses and roads. Animals lose their homes and don’t have anywhere to live. This is very sad for the animals.
Also, cities make a lot of pollution. There are many cars and factories in cities that make the air and water dirty. This pollution can go to places where animals live and make them sick. For example, dirty water can kill fish in rivers.
Cities also make the area around them hotter. This is called the “heat island” effect. It means that some animals might not be able to live there anymore because it’s too hot for them.
But some cities are trying to help. They are making parks and green spaces in the city. This gives some animals a place to live. Some buildings even have gardens on their roofs, which is good for birds and insects.
To finish, I agree that cities growing fast is hurting nature and animals. Even though some people are trying to help, we need to do more to protect the environment as cities keep getting bigger.
(Word count: 212)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a clear position and well-developed ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Key strengths include:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “decimating habitats”, “urban sprawl”, “endemic species”
- Complex sentence structures
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Consideration of counterarguments (efforts to mitigate impacts)
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates good control of language with some areas for improvement:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though cohesive devices are sometimes overused or under-used.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, generally with good control.
Areas for improvement include:
- More sophisticated vocabulary and phrasing
- Greater depth in arguments and examples
- More nuanced discussion of the topic
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay shows an adequate attempt at the task with some limitations:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but some points are inadequately developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphing may be inadequate. Cohesive devices are limited.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used, with some errors that may impede communication.
Areas for improvement include:
- Expanding vocabulary range
- Developing more complex sentence structures
- Providing more specific examples and details
- Improving overall essay structure and paragraph development
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process of making an area more urban
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Urban sprawl (noun) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas
- Fragmentation (noun) /ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃən/: The process or state of breaking or being broken into fragments
- Encroachment (noun) /ɪnˈkrəʊtʃmənt/: Intrusion on a person’s territory, rights, etc.
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment
Urban wildlife adaptation
In conclusion, the impact of urbanization on natural ecosystems is a critical topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions such as:
- How can cities be designed to better coexist with natural habitats?
- Discuss the balance between urban development and environmental conservation.
- What role should governments play in protecting wildlife in rapidly growing urban areas?
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.