Rapid urbanization and its impact on natural habitats has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam statistics, questions about the effects of urbanization on natural habitats have appeared in approximately 15% of environmental-themed questions since 2020.
The devastating effects of urbanization on natural wildlife habitats and ecosystems
Sample Question Analysis
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 views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss different perspectives on environmental priorities
- Compare species extinction with other environmental issues
- Present and justify a personal viewpoint
- Provide relevant examples and support
Band 8 Sample Essay
The debate over which environmental challenge deserves the most attention has intensified in recent years. While some argue that species extinction is our primary concern, others believe that how urbanization contributes to loss of natural habitats and other environmental issues require more urgent action. In my view, while species loss is critical, it is merely one symptom of broader environmental challenges.
Those who prioritize species conservation argue that each extinct species represents an irreversible loss to Earth’s biodiversity. When key species disappear, entire ecosystems can collapse, triggering devastating chain reactions. For instance, the decline of bee populations threatens not only the insects themselves but also global food security through reduced pollination.
However, there are arguably more fundamental environmental problems that demand immediate attention. The effects of urbanization on wildlife and climate change represent overarching threats that accelerate species loss while simultaneously creating additional challenges. Rising global temperatures affect entire ecosystems, alter weather patterns, and threaten human settlements through increased natural disasters and food insecurity.
In my opinion, while species conservation is crucial, addressing root causes like climate change and habitat destruction should take precedence. These systemic issues drive species extinction while also threatening human survival. For example, How does urbanization contribute to climate change? through increased emissions and deforestation, which in turn accelerates biodiversity loss.
Therefore, I believe our environmental priorities should focus on addressing these fundamental challenges while maintaining species conservation efforts as part of a comprehensive approach to environmental protection.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Today, many people worry about different environmental problems. Some think losing plants and animals is the biggest problem, but others say we have more serious environmental issues to deal with. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who worry most about losing species have good reasons. When animals and plants die out, we can never get them back. This affects the balance of nature. For example, when tigers disappear from a forest, there are too many deer, which eat too many plants. Also, many medicines come from plants, so losing plant species means losing possible cures for diseases.
However, other environmental problems are also very serious. The impact of global warming on animal habitats affects everything on Earth. Pollution makes people sick and kills fish in rivers. Cutting down forests causes many problems like flooding and soil erosion. These problems hurt both nature and humans.
I think both views are right, but the bigger environmental problems are more important to fix first. If we stop pollution and global warming, it will also help save many species. Also, these big problems affect humans directly, so more people will want to help solve them.
Key Vocabulary
- biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other
- irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – impossible to change back to a previous condition
- precedence (n) /ˈpresɪdəns/ – the condition of being considered more important than someone or something else
- systemic (adj) /sɪˈstemɪk/ – affecting or relating to a whole system
In conclusion, while species extinction remains a critical environmental concern, addressing fundamental issues like climate change and habitat destruction should be prioritized. For practice, try writing your own essay about urbanization’s effects on natural habitats, focusing on specific examples from your country or region.
