Climate change and its effects on water resources have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern over environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams 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 requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that loss of biodiversity is the main environmental problem
- Discuss other environmental problems that may be considered more important
- Provide their own opinion on which environmental issue is most significant
Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores addressing this topic.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change and its cascading effects on our planet’s 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 impact of climate change on water resources.
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 societies. For instance, the decline of bee populations threatens not only the survival of these insects but also the pollination of crops crucial for global food security. Moreover, the loss of medicinal plants in rainforests may deprive us of potential cures for diseases.
However, I contend that there are more urgent environmental issues that demand our immediate attention. Chief among these is the impact of climate change on water resources, which has far-reaching consequences for all life on Earth. Rising global temperatures are altering precipitation patterns, intensifying droughts in some regions while causing floods in others. This disruption of the water cycle affects not only human access to clean water but also agricultural productivity and ecosystem stability.
Climate Change Impact on Water Resources
The water scarcity resulting from climate change has profound implications for human societies and natural habitats alike. In many parts of the world, diminishing freshwater supplies are leading to conflicts over water rights and forcing mass migrations. Furthermore, the impact of climate change on global food production is closely tied to water availability, as agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater resources.
In conclusion, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a serious concern, I believe that the broader issue of climate change, particularly its effects on water resources, poses a more immediate and pervasive threat to our planet. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses not only conservation efforts but also substantial changes in our energy systems and resource management practices.
(Word count: 329)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s own opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include:
- “cascading effects”
- “pressing environmental challenges”
- “far-reaching consequences”
- “altering precipitation patterns”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, and there are no noticeable errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas and examples.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Many people think that the biggest environmental problem today is the loss of certain types of plants and animals. However, others believe there are more important environmental issues. In my opinion, while losing species is a serious problem, there are other environmental issues that are more critical.
Some people argue that the loss of biodiversity is the main environmental concern. When specific plants or animals disappear, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could lead to food shortages. Also, some animals or plants might have medical uses that we haven’t discovered yet, so losing them could mean losing potential cures for diseases.
Impact of Biodiversity Loss
On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that I think are more important. One big issue is how climate change is affecting our water resources. Global warming is changing rainfall patterns, causing more droughts in some places and floods in others. This is making it harder for people to get clean water and grow food. Another problem is air pollution, which is making people sick in many cities around the world.
I believe that climate change and its impact on water are more urgent problems than losing specific species. This is because water is essential for all life, and changes in water availability affect not just plants and animals, but also human societies. When there’s not enough water, it can lead to conflicts between countries and force people to leave their homes.
In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is a serious issue, I think problems like climate change and its effects on water resources are more pressing environmental concerns. These issues affect a wider range of life on Earth and need immediate attention.
(Word count: 298)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good control of language with some areas for improvement:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, although the development of ideas could be more thorough.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with some attempts at less common words. However, there’s room for more precise and varied vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are relevant and supported, but could be elaborated on further for a higher band score.
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 change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
- Water resources (noun) – /ˈwɔːtə rɪˈzɔːsɪz/ – sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans
- Precipitation (noun) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/ – rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground
- Drought (noun) – /draʊt/ – a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water
- Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
- Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Conclusion
The impact of climate change on water resources is a crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The effects of climate change on seasonal farming
- Solutions to water scarcity in urban areas
- The role of technology in addressing climate change impacts
- International cooperation in managing shared water resources
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 this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.