Climate change and its effects on ecosystems have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject’s frequency in recent exams reflects its global significance and the growing concern about environmental issues. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant essay question and provide sample responses for different band scores.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to ecosystems worldwide. Others think there are more immediate concerns. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question asks you to examine two contrasting viewpoints on the threats to ecosystems:
- Climate change as the primary threat
- Other immediate concerns as more significant threats
You need to discuss both perspectives and then provide your own opinion. This type of question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which is common in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Climate change has emerged as a critical global issue, with many experts citing it as the most significant threat to ecosystems worldwide. However, others argue that more immediate concerns pose greater risks to our natural environments. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this complex issue.
Those who consider climate change the paramount threat to ecosystems worldwide have compelling reasons for their stance. The gradual increase in global temperatures is causing widespread and long-lasting changes to habitats across the planet. For instance, rising sea levels are eroding coastlines and submerging low-lying areas, destroying vital ecosystems such as mangrove forests and coral reefs. Moreover, shifting weather patterns are altering precipitation levels, leading to more frequent droughts in some regions and flooding in others, which can devastate both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. The far-reaching and potentially irreversible nature of these changes makes climate change a formidable threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability on a global scale.
On the other hand, proponents of the view that there are more immediate concerns affecting ecosystems point to issues such as deforestation, pollution, and overfishing. These problems often have more visible and immediate impacts on local environments. For example, the rapid destruction of the Amazon rainforest for agriculture and logging is causing immediate habitat loss for countless species and disrupting crucial ecosystem services. Similarly, plastic pollution in oceans is directly harming marine life, while industrial pollutants are contaminating freshwater sources, leading to immediate declines in aquatic biodiversity. These issues often require urgent action to prevent irreversible damage to specific ecosystems.
In my opinion, while immediate concerns such as deforestation and pollution demand urgent attention, climate change remains the most significant overarching threat to ecosystems worldwide. The pervasive nature of climate change means that it exacerbates and interacts with many of these immediate concerns, amplifying their impacts. For instance, warming temperatures can make pollutants more toxic and increase the spread of invasive species, compounding the effects of local environmental degradation. Furthermore, the long-term and global scale of climate change impacts means that even if we address immediate local concerns, ecosystems will continue to face significant challenges from changing climatic conditions.
In conclusion, while both climate change and immediate environmental issues pose serious threats to ecosystems, I believe that the far-reaching and long-term nature of climate change makes it the most critical challenge we face. Addressing this global issue should be a priority, but not at the expense of neglecting more immediate local concerns. A comprehensive approach that tackles both climate change and pressing environmental issues is essential for the preservation of the world’s ecosystems.
(Word count: 436)
Climate change impact on ecosystem
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Climate change is a big problem that many people think is the biggest threat to ecosystems around the world. However, some people believe there are other problems that are more urgent. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Many experts say that climate change is the most serious threat to ecosystems. They argue that rising temperatures are causing many problems for plants and animals. For example, polar ice is melting, which makes it hard for polar bears to hunt and survive. Also, some plants can’t grow in warmer weather, so they might die out. These changes happen slowly but affect the whole planet, which is why some people think climate change is the biggest problem.
On the other hand, some people think there are more immediate problems that harm ecosystems. These include things like cutting down forests, pollution, and overfishing. For instance, when forests are cut down, animals lose their homes right away. Pollution in rivers can kill fish quickly. These problems have effects that we can see happening now, which is why some people think they are more important to deal with first.
In my opinion, both climate change and immediate problems are serious threats to ecosystems, but I think climate change is the bigger issue in the long run. This is because climate change makes other problems worse. For example, it can make it harder for forests to grow back after they’ve been cut down. Also, climate change affects the whole world, not just one area, so its impact is very wide.
To conclude, while there are many threats to ecosystems, I believe climate change is the most serious because of its long-term and global effects. However, we should still try to solve other environmental problems at the same time. We need to work on all these issues to protect nature.
(Word count: 309)
Key Writing Tips for This Topic
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Understanding the question: Make sure to address both viewpoints (climate change as the main threat and other immediate concerns) and clearly state your own opinion.
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Structure: Use a clear four-paragraph structure for this type of question:
- Introduction
- Paragraph discussing climate change as the main threat
- Paragraph discussing other immediate concerns
- Conclusion with your opinion
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Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to the environment and climate change. Higher band scores require more sophisticated and precise vocabulary.
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Grammar: Demonstrate a variety of grammatical structures. For higher band scores, use complex sentences and a mix of tenses accurately.
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Cohesion and coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly within and between paragraphs.
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Examples: Provide specific examples to support your points. This adds credibility to your arguments.
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Balance: Ensure you give roughly equal attention to both viewpoints before stating your own opinion.
Essential Vocabulary for Climate Change and Ecosystems
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A community of living organisms in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment.
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Habitat loss (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/: The process by which natural habitats become incapable of supporting their native species.
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Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The clearing or thinning of forests by humans.
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Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The introduction of harmful materials into the environment.
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Invasive species (noun phrase) /ɪnˈveɪsɪv ˈspiːʃiːz/: A species that is not native to a specific location and has a tendency to spread, causing damage to the environment.
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Greenhouse gases (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/: Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a perturbation or disturbance by resisting damage and recovering quickly.
Conclusion
The impact of climate change on ecosystems is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its global importance. By understanding the question types, structuring your essay effectively, and using appropriate vocabulary, you can craft a compelling response. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as:
- The role of individual actions in mitigating climate change
- Government policies to protect endangered species
- The balance between economic development and environmental conservation
- The impact of climate change on global water supply
- How climate change affects infectious disease spread
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.
