Industrial farming and its environmental impact have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject frequently appears in exams, reflecting its global significance. Based on recent trends, we can expect questions related to the Environmental Challenges Of Industrial Farming to continue featuring in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Environmental impact of industrial farming
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 environmental challenges of industrial farming, as modern agricultural practices significantly contribute to biodiversity loss. Let’s break down the question:
- Two viewpoints are presented:
- The main environmental problem is the loss of specific plant and animal species.
- There are more important environmental problems.
- You need to discuss both views.
- You must also provide your own opinion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental concerns have taken center stage in global discussions, with biodiversity loss being a significant issue. While some argue that the extinction of particular species is our primary environmental challenge, others contend that we face more pressing environmental problems. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who prioritize species loss argue that the extinction of specific plants and animals can have far-reaching consequences for entire ecosystems. For instance, the decline of bee populations worldwide threatens not only the species itself but also the vast number of plants that rely on bees for pollination. This, in turn, affects food production and biodiversity on a global scale. Moreover, each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and its loss can trigger a domino effect, disrupting delicate ecological balances that have evolved over millions of years.
On the other hand, proponents of the view that there are more crucial environmental issues often point to climate change as the overarching threat. They argue that rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise pose existential risks to both human civilization and countless species simultaneously. Additionally, issues such as air and water pollution, deforestation, and soil degradation are seen as more immediate concerns affecting human health and livelihoods directly.
In my opinion, while the loss of specific species is undoubtedly a critical issue, it is ultimately a symptom of broader environmental challenges. The root causes of biodiversity loss, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change, are the same factors driving other environmental problems. Therefore, I believe that addressing these underlying issues should be our primary focus. By tackling climate change, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable land use practices, we can simultaneously protect endangered species and address other environmental concerns.
In conclusion, while the extinction of particular plants and animals is a severe problem, it is interconnected with other environmental challenges. A holistic approach that addresses the root causes of environmental degradation is necessary to protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
(Word count: 309)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are logically sequenced, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “For instance”, “Moreover”, “On the other hand”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “far-reaching consequences”, “delicate ecological balances”, “overarching threat”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about what is the biggest environmental problem today. Some people think it’s the loss of certain plants and animals, while others believe there are more important issues. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
People who say losing specific species is the main problem have good reasons. When a plant or animal disappears, it can affect the whole environment. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which is bad for food production. Also, every animal and plant has a job in nature, so losing one can cause problems for others.
However, other people think there are bigger environmental issues to worry about. Climate change is a big one because it affects everything on Earth. It causes things like more storms, hotter temperatures, and rising sea levels. These problems can harm both humans and animals. Pollution of air and water is another serious issue that affects people’s health directly.
In my opinion, I think both views are important, but I agree more that there are bigger environmental problems than just losing some species. The things that cause animals and plants to die out, like destroying forests and polluting, are the same things that cause other environmental problems. If we focus on fixing these bigger issues, we can help save endangered species at the same time.
To conclude, while losing certain plants and animals is a serious problem, I believe we should focus on the bigger environmental issues that cause this and other problems. By doing this, we can protect nature and make the world better for everyone.
(Word count: 270)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting an opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is organized logically, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there’s less variety than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Development of Ideas: Main points are supported with relevant ideas, but the development is less thorough than in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: 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 changes in temperature and weather patterns.
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Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Habitat destruction (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/: The process by which natural habitat is damaged or destroyed to the point that it no longer supports the species present.
In conclusion, the environmental challenges of industrial farming, particularly their impact on biodiversity, are likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related topics such as sustainable agriculture, the balance between food production and environmental protection, and potential solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of industrial farming.
We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for the actual IELTS test.
