Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, this subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s examine a typical question on this theme and provide sample essays for different band scores.
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.
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses environmental issues, specifically focusing on biodiversity loss versus other environmental concerns. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that loss of species is the main environmental problem
- Explore other environmental issues that may be considered more important
- Provide a personal opinion on which view is more valid
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Climate change and its cascading effects on global ecosystems have emerged as the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. While some argue that the loss of specific plant and animal species is the primary concern, I believe that there are more critical environmental issues at stake, particularly the broader impact of climate change on global migration patterns and human societies.
Those who prioritize biodiversity loss as the main environmental problem have valid concerns. The extinction of certain species can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to unforeseen consequences for both nature and human activities. For instance, the decline of bee populations threatens not only the survival of various plant species but also our food security, as bees play a crucial role in pollination. Moreover, the loss of biodiversity reduces our potential for medical discoveries, as many pharmaceutical compounds are derived from plants and animals.
However, I would argue that there are more urgent environmental issues that demand our immediate attention. Climate change, in particular, poses an existential threat to both human civilization and countless species across the globe. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise are already forcing people to migrate from vulnerable areas, creating a new class of “climate refugees.” This mass movement of people not only disrupts local economies and social structures but also puts immense pressure on receiving countries’ resources and infrastructure.
Furthermore, climate change exacerbates other environmental problems, including biodiversity loss itself. As habitats shift or disappear due to changing temperatures and weather patterns, many species struggle to adapt, leading to widespread extinction events. Additionally, climate change affects global water cycles, potentially causing severe droughts in some regions while increasing flood risks in others. These changes have far-reaching implications for agriculture, human health, and geopolitical stability.
In conclusion, while the loss of particular species is undoubtedly a serious environmental concern, I believe that climate change and its wide-ranging impacts on global migration patterns and human societies represent a more urgent and comprehensive threat. Addressing climate change effectively would not only help mitigate biodiversity loss but also alleviate numerous other environmental and social challenges we face today.
(Word count: 339)
Band 6-7 Essay
Environmental problems are a big concern in today’s world. Some people think that the main issue is the loss of certain plants and animals, while others believe there are more important problems. In my opinion, both views have merit, but I think there are more pressing environmental issues to address.
Those who focus on the loss of species have good reasons. When plants and animals disappear, it can upset the balance of nature. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could affect our food supply. Also, some animals and plants might have ingredients that could be used for medicine, so losing them means we might miss out on important discoveries.
However, I believe there are bigger environmental problems we need to worry about. Climate change is probably the biggest issue because it affects everything on Earth. It’s causing extreme weather, like more hurricanes and droughts, which make it hard for people to live in some places. This is forcing many people to move to other countries, which can cause social and economic problems.
Climate change is also making it harder for many plants and animals to survive, so it’s actually causing the loss of species too. It’s changing where food can be grown, which could lead to food shortages in some parts of the world. Rising sea levels are threatening coastal cities and islands, putting millions of people at risk of losing their homes.
In conclusion, while losing certain species is a serious problem, I think climate change is a bigger and more urgent issue. If we can solve climate change, it will help with many other environmental problems, including protecting endangered species.
(Word count: 280)
Band 5-6 Essay
Environmental problems are very important today. Some people think the main problem is losing certain plants and animals. Other people think there are bigger problems. I think both ideas are important, but there are more serious environmental issues.
Losing plants and animals is bad because it can change nature. For example, if we lose bees, many plants won’t grow because bees help plants make seeds. Also, some animals and plants might have things in them that can make new medicine. If they disappear, we can’t use them anymore.
But I think there are bigger problems. Climate change is a very big problem because it changes everything. It makes the weather very bad, like more storms and less rain in some places. This makes it hard for people to live in some areas, so they have to move to other countries. This can cause problems in those countries.
Climate change also makes it hard for many plants and animals to live, so it also causes species loss. It changes where we can grow food, which can make some people not have enough food. The sea is also getting higher, which is bad for cities near the ocean.
To finish, I think losing certain plants and animals is a problem, but climate change is a bigger problem. If we fix climate change, it will help fix many other environmental problems too.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the task fully:
- Task Achievement: The essay discusses both views comprehensively and provides a clear personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with a clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphing is appropriate and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Sophisticated words and phrases like “cascading effects,” “exacerbates,” and “geopolitical stability” are employed.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of complex structures is used with flexibility and accuracy. Errors are rare and minor.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are developed more fully than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, though some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used, though there is less sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay shows a limited but effective command of the language:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but some points are inadequately developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but generally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- 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 refugee (noun) /ˈklaɪmət ˌrefjuˈdʒiː/ – a person forced to leave their home due to sudden or gradual alterations in the natural environment related to climate change
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse
- Geopolitical (adjective) /ˌdʒiːəʊpəˈlɪtɪkl/ – relating to politics, especially international relations, as influenced by geographical factors
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Cascading effect (noun phrase) /kæˈskeɪdɪŋ ɪˈfekt/ – a sequence of events in which each produces the circumstances necessary for the next
- Existential threat (noun phrase) /ˌeɡzɪˈstenʃl θret/ – a threat to something’s very existence
- Food security (noun phrase) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Habitats (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæts/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
Conclusion
The topic of climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
- The economic impacts of climate-induced migration
- The responsibility of developed nations in mitigating climate change effects on vulnerable populations
- The balance between economic development and environmental protection in the context of climate change
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.