Climate change and its effects on water resources have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that questions related to how climate change is impacting water resources will continue to appear in future exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and provide sample essays for different band scores.
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 asks candidates to discuss two contrasting views on environmental problems and provide their own opinion. While it doesn’t explicitly mention climate change or water scarcity, these topics can be incorporated into the response as they are closely related to environmental issues and the loss of biodiversity.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental degradation is a pressing concern in the modern world, with various issues competing for attention. While some argue that the loss of specific plant and animal species is the primary environmental problem, others contend that there are more critical issues to address. In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is undoubtedly significant, climate change and its cascading effects, particularly on water resources, represent a more urgent and far-reaching environmental challenge.
Those who prioritize the loss of particular species argue that each plant and animal plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems. The extinction of even a single species can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting food chains and altering habitats. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity reduces the planet’s genetic pool, potentially depriving humanity of valuable resources for medical research and technological innovation.
However, proponents of the opposing view argue that there are more pressing environmental issues that demand immediate attention. Climate change, in particular, stands out as a comprehensive threat that affects virtually every aspect of our planet’s ecosystems and human societies. The rising global temperatures are causing widespread environmental changes, including melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. These changes not only endanger countless species but also pose existential threats to human populations worldwide.
One of the most critical consequences of climate change is its impact on water resources. Climate change effects on food and water security are already evident in many parts of the world. Changing precipitation patterns, increased evaporation, and the depletion of glaciers are leading to water scarcity in numerous regions. This scarcity not only affects ecosystems and biodiversity but also threatens agriculture, human health, and economic stability. The far-reaching implications of water scarcity make it a more urgent issue than the loss of particular species.
In my view, while the extinction of specific plants and animals is undoubtedly a serious concern, the overarching threat of climate change, especially its impact on water resources, represents a more critical environmental problem. Addressing climate change and its effects on water availability would not only help mitigate biodiversity loss but also safeguard human well-being and the planet’s future. Therefore, focusing our efforts on combating climate change and ensuring sustainable water management should be the primary environmental priority of our time.
Climate change impact on water scarcity
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There are different opinions 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 views and give my opinion.
Those who say losing specific species is the main problem have good reasons. Every plant and animal is important in nature. When one disappears, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t be pollinated, which can cause food shortages. Also, some animals or plants might have chemicals that could be used for medicine, so losing them means losing potential cures for diseases.
On the other hand, people who think there are bigger environmental problems also have valid points. Climate change is a huge issue that affects everything on Earth. It causes many problems like rising sea levels, more natural disasters, and changes in weather patterns. These changes can harm not just one or two species, but entire habitats and ecosystems.
One big effect of climate change is on water resources. How climate change is affecting water availability is becoming a serious problem in many places. Some areas are getting too much rain and flooding, while others are facing droughts. This affects not only plants and animals but also human beings. When there’s not enough water, it can lead to food shortages, health problems, and even conflicts between countries.
In my opinion, while losing specific species is definitely a problem, climate change and its effects on water are more urgent issues. If we solve the problem of climate change, it will help protect many species and their habitats. Also, making sure everyone has enough clean water is crucial for both nature and humans. Therefore, I believe we should focus more on fighting climate change and managing water resources better.
Water scarcity and drought-affected landscape
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think the biggest environmental problem is losing certain plants and animals. Others say there are more important problems. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who worry about losing specific species have good reasons. Every plant and animal is important in nature. If one disappears, it can cause problems for other living things. For example, if there are no bees, many plants won’t grow because bees help them. Also, some animals or plants might have things in them that can help make medicine.
But other people think there are bigger problems. Climate change is a very big issue that affects everything on Earth. It makes the weather change, causes more storms, and makes sea levels go up. These changes can hurt many plants and animals, not just a few.
Climate change also affects water. In some places, there’s too much rain and flooding. In other places, there’s not enough water. This is bad for plants, animals, and people. When there’s not enough water, it’s hard to grow food, and people can get sick.
I think that while losing some plants and animals is bad, climate change and water problems are more important. If we fix climate change, it will help many plants and animals. Also, making sure everyone has enough clean water is very important. So, I think we should focus more on stopping climate change and using water better.
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns
- Water scarcity (noun) – /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsəti/ – The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region
- Precipitation patterns (noun) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn ˈpætnz/ – The distribution and frequency of rainfall, snowfall, and other forms of water falling from the sky
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Vocabulary flashcards for environmental terms
Conclusion
The topic of climate change and its impact on water resources is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as climate change’s effect on global food security or the impact of climate change on education systems in vulnerable regions. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.