Climate change and its effects on global water resources is a critical topic that has been appearing with increasing frequency in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be featured prominently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:
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, while not directly mentioning water supply, allows candidates to discuss various environmental issues, including how climate change affects global water supply. Let’s analyze this topic and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
The question presents two viewpoints on environmental problems:
- The loss of biodiversity (particular species of plants and animals) is the main issue.
- There are more important environmental problems.
Candidates are required to discuss both perspectives and provide their own opinion. This allows for a wide range of environmental topics to be covered, including climate change and its impact on water resources.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected issues that pose significant threats to our planet. While some argue that the extinction of specific plant and animal species is the primary environmental concern, others contend that more pressing matters demand our attention. In my opinion, both viewpoints have merit, but the broader implications of climate change, particularly its impact on global water resources, represent a more urgent and far-reaching environmental challenge.
The loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a critical issue. Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and the extinction of even a single plant or animal can have cascading effects throughout the food chain. Moreover, biodiversity loss can lead to the disappearance of potential medical breakthroughs and valuable genetic resources. The rapid decline of bee populations, for instance, threatens not only honey production but also the pollination of countless plant species essential for global food security.
However, I believe that climate change and its wide-ranging consequences, especially on water resources, pose an even greater environmental threat. Rising global temperatures are altering precipitation patterns, intensifying droughts in some regions while causing floods in others. This disruption of the water cycle has far-reaching implications for both human societies and natural ecosystems. For example, melting glaciers and reduced snowpack in mountainous regions are diminishing freshwater supplies for millions of people downstream. Additionally, sea-level rise due to thermal expansion and ice melt is contaminating coastal aquifers with saltwater, further reducing available freshwater resources.
The impact of climate change on water supply extends beyond immediate human needs. Altered hydrological cycles affect soil moisture, plant growth, and entire ecosystems, potentially leading to more widespread biodiversity loss than individual species extinctions. Furthermore, water scarcity how climate change affects global economic stability by disrupting agriculture, energy production, and industrial processes, potentially triggering social unrest and conflict.
In conclusion, while the loss of specific plant and animal species is a significant environmental concern, I believe that the broader impacts of climate change, particularly on global water resources, represent a more urgent and comprehensive threat. Addressing climate change and its effects on water supply will not only help mitigate biodiversity loss but also safeguard human well-being and global stability. It is imperative that we take immediate and decisive action to combat climate change and develop sustainable water management practices to ensure a viable future for all life on Earth.
Climate change impacts on the global water cycle
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Environmental problems are a big concern nowadays. Some people think that losing certain types of plants and animals is the main issue, while others believe there are more important environmental problems. I think both views have good points, but climate change and its effects on water are the biggest worry.
Firstly, losing plant and animal species is definitely a serious problem. When animals or plants disappear, it can upset the balance of nature. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could cause food shortages. Also, some animals or plants might have ingredients that could be used for medicine, so losing them means we might miss out on cures for diseases.
However, I think climate change is an even bigger problem, especially how it affects our water supply. Climate change is making some places too dry and others too wet. This means some areas don’t have enough water for people to drink or for farmers to grow food. In other places, too much rain causes flooding, which can damage homes and farms. How does climate change impact freshwater availability? It’s making glaciers melt faster, which means less water for people who depend on rivers that come from mountains.
Climate change is also causing sea levels to rise. This is bad because salty seawater can mix with freshwater near the coast, making it undrinkable. When there’s not enough water, it can cause problems between countries and even lead to wars. It’s not just people who suffer – animals and plants need water too, so climate change can harm them as well.
In conclusion, while losing certain species is a big problem, I believe climate change and its effects on our water supply is an even bigger issue. It affects not just plants and animals, but also people’s lives, food production, and even peace between countries. We need to take action to stop climate change and find better ways to use and save water.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Environment problems are very important today. Some people think losing animals and plants is the biggest problem. Other people think there are more important environment problems. I think both ideas are right, but water problems from climate change are the most important.
Losing animals and plants is bad. When animals die, it can make problems for nature. For example, if there are no bees, plants can’t make fruits and vegetables. This is bad for people who need food. Also, some animals and plants might help make medicine. If they die, we can’t use them to help sick people.
But I think climate change is a bigger problem. It makes water problems for people. Some places don’t have enough water because of climate change. People can’t drink or wash. Farmers can’t grow food. Other places have too much water and floods. This breaks houses and farms. Climate change also makes ice in mountains melt. This means less water for people who live near rivers.
Climate change makes the sea level go up. This is bad because it makes freshwater salty near the sea. People can’t drink this water. When there’s not enough water, people might fight. Animals and plants also need water to live. So climate change hurts them too.
In conclusion, I think losing animals and plants is bad, but climate change and water problems are worse. It’s bad for people, animals, plants, and making food. It can even make people fight. We need to stop climate change and save water.
Global water scarcity map highlighting climate change effects
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression and appropriate paragraphing
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Information and ideas are arranged coherently with overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors in word choice may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some accuracy
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or 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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Precipitation (noun) /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/: Rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground.
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Hydrological cycle (noun) /ˌhaɪdrəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈsaɪkl/: The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere.
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Aquifer (noun) /ˈækwɪfə(r)/: An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or gravel, sand, or silt.
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Desertification (noun) /dɪˌzɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/: The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
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Glacial melt (noun) /ˈɡleɪʃl melt/: The process of glaciers melting due to increased temperatures.
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Water scarcity (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsɪti/: The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on global water supply is a critical environmental issue that is likely to feature prominently in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of this topic, including its effects on biodiversity, human societies, and global stability. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.
How climate change is affecting migration patterns globally is another related topic that you might encounter in future IELTS exams. Consider how water scarcity and other climate-induced environmental changes could lead to large-scale human migration, and be prepared to discuss these interconnected issues in your essays.
