IELTS Writing Task 2: How Climate Change Affects Biodiversity – Sample Essays and Analysis

Climate change and its impact on biodiversity is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Let’s explore this subject through a sample question and provide essay examples for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to the world’s plant and animal species. Others think there are more immediate dangers. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

This question asks you to discuss two perspectives on threats to biodiversity:

1. Climate change as the primary threat
2. Other more immediate dangers

You need to:

• Explain both viewpoints
• Provide examples or reasons for each
• Give your own opinion

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Climate change and its effects on biodiversity have been widely debated, with some arguing it poses the greatest threat to plant and animal species worldwide. However, others contend that more immediate dangers are of greater concern. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.

Those who consider climate change the most significant threat to biodiversity argue that its far-reaching and long-term consequences are unparalleled. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events directly impact ecosystems, forcing species to adapt or face extinction. For instance, coral reefs are highly sensitive to temperature changes, and even slight increases can lead to widespread bleaching events, devastating entire marine ecosystems. Furthermore, climate change alters habitats on a global scale, affecting migratory patterns and food availability for countless species.

On the other hand, proponents of the view that there are more immediate threats to biodiversity point to human activities with direct and rapid impacts. Deforestation, pollution, and overfishing are examples of such dangers that cause immediate harm to plant and animal populations. The Amazon rainforest, for instance, is being cleared at an alarming rate, resulting in habitat loss for countless species. Similarly, plastic pollution in oceans directly affects marine life through entanglement and ingestion. These threats are often more tangible and have visible short-term effects compared to the gradual impact of climate change.

In my opinion, while both perspectives have merit, I believe that climate change represents the most significant long-term threat to biodiversity. Although immediate dangers like deforestation and pollution are serious issues that require urgent attention, climate change acts as a “threat multiplier,” exacerbating existing problems and creating new challenges for ecosystems worldwide. Its global scale and potential for irreversible damage make it a uniquely dangerous phenomenon that requires immediate and sustained action.

In conclusion, while immediate threats to biodiversity should not be overlooked, the pervasive and long-lasting effects of climate change make it the most critical issue facing plant and animal species globally. Addressing both immediate dangers and long-term climate change impacts is essential for preserving the world’s biodiversity.

(Word count: 329)

Climate change impact on biodiversity

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Climate change is often seen as a major problem for plants and animals around the world. However, some people think there are other dangers that are more urgent. This essay will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.

Those who believe climate change is the biggest threat to biodiversity have some good reasons. Global warming is causing many problems for animals and plants. For example, polar bears are losing their homes as ice melts, and some types of coral are dying because the oceans are getting warmer. Climate change also makes the weather more extreme, which can harm many species.

On the other hand, there are people who think other dangers are more immediate. They point to things like cutting down forests, pollution, and hunting animals too much. These activities can quickly destroy habitats and kill many plants and animals. For instance, when forests are cut down, many animals lose their homes right away. Pollution in rivers and oceans can also kill fish and other water creatures very quickly.

In my opinion, both climate change and these other dangers are very serious. However, I think climate change might be a bigger problem in the long run. This is because it affects the whole planet and can change entire ecosystems. While we can stop cutting down forests or reduce pollution in some areas, it’s much harder to stop the effects of climate change once they start.

To conclude, although there are many immediate threats to biodiversity, I believe climate change is the most serious long-term problem. We need to work on solving both kinds of issues to protect plants and animals around the world.

(Word count: 276)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on one main idea.

2. Language: Use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated language and complex sentence structures.

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between paragraphs. Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next.

4. Task Response: Address all parts of the question and provide a clear opinion where required. Support your arguments with relevant examples.

5. Word Count: Aim for at least 250 words, but try not to exceed 300 words significantly.

Vocabulary to Remember

Here are some useful vocabulary items related to the topic of climate change and biodiversity:

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.

2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

3. Habitat loss (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/: The destruction or alteration of the natural environment where a species lives.

4. Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.

5. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.

6. Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃən/: The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

7. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

8. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

These words can help you express your ideas more precisely and demonstrate a good range of vocabulary in your essay.

Conclusion

The topic of climate change and its impact on biodiversity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of governments in protecting endangered species
• The balance between economic development and environmental conservation
• The effectiveness of international agreements in addressing climate change

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use appropriate vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing an essay on the sample question provided and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.