Climate change and its impact on natural disasters is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze 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.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to discuss two viewpoints on environmental problems:

1. The loss of biodiversity is the main environmental issue.
2. There are more significant environmental problems.

Candidates must address both perspectives and provide their own opinion. This question indirectly relates to climate change and natural disasters, as these factors contribute to species loss and are considered major environmental issues.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Environmental degradation is a pressing concern in the modern world, with various issues vying for attention. While some argue that the extinction of plant and animal species is the primary environmental challenge, others contend that more critical problems exist. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective.

Those who prioritize biodiversity loss as the main environmental issue have valid reasons for their concern. The extinction of species disrupts ecosystems and food chains, potentially leading to far-reaching consequences for both nature and human societies. For instance, the decline of bee populations threatens global food security, as many crops rely on these insects for pollination. Moreover, the loss of plant species may deprive us of valuable medicinal resources and limit our ability to develop new drugs in the future.

On the other hand, proponents of the opposing view argue that issues such as climate change and pollution pose more immediate and widespread threats to the environment. Climate change, in particular, is altering weather patterns and increasing the frequency of natural disasters, affecting not only wildlife but also human populations worldwide. Rising sea levels, extreme temperatures, and intensified storms are creating global migration crises as people are forced to relocate due to uninhabitable conditions. Furthermore, air and water pollution directly impact human health and quality of life, causing respiratory diseases and contaminating vital resources.

Climate change impact on natural disasters

In my opinion, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a critical issue, climate change represents the most urgent and far-reaching environmental challenge of our time. The impact of climate change on global weather patterns is not only causing more frequent and severe natural disasters but also exacerbating other environmental problems, including species extinction. By addressing climate change, we can mitigate multiple environmental issues simultaneously and protect both human societies and the natural world.

In conclusion, while the extinction of plant and animal species is a significant concern, I believe that climate change is the most pressing environmental problem we face today. Tackling this issue should be our top priority, as it will have wide-ranging benefits for biodiversity conservation and other environmental challenges.

(Word count: 398)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses cohesive devices effectively, such as “For instance,” “Moreover,” and “Furthermore.”

3. Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “biodiversity,” “ecosystems,” and “environmental degradation.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy.

5. Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to the topic.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, there are different opinions about which environmental problem is the most important. Some people think that losing certain types of plants and animals is the biggest issue, while others believe there are more serious problems. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.

On one hand, the extinction of plant and animal species is a big problem. When we lose these species, it can affect the balance of nature. For example, if bees disappear, many plants won’t be pollinated, which can cause problems for our food supply. Also, some animals and plants might have important uses that we haven’t discovered yet, like new medicines.

On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that some people think are more important. Climate change is a big issue that is causing many problems around the world. It is making weather more extreme, causing natural disasters like floods and droughts. This affects not just animals and plants, but also people’s lives. Another serious problem is pollution, which makes air and water dirty and can make people sick.

Endangered species affected by climate change

In my opinion, I think that climate change is the most serious environmental problem we face today. It is affecting everything on Earth, including plants, animals, and humans. Climate change is causing water scarcity in many parts of the world, which is a big problem for both nature and people. If we can solve the climate change problem, it will help with many other environmental issues too.

In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is important, I believe that climate change is the biggest environmental challenge we need to deal with. By focusing on this problem, we can help protect both nature and human society.

(Word count: 339)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and stating the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but they could be more varied.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a mix of common and some less common vocabulary. There’s room for more sophisticated and precise language use.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of sentence structures with generally good control, though there are some minor errors.

5. Development of Ideas: Ideas are presented clearly but could be elaborated on more fully with more specific examples or deeper analysis.

Key Vocabulary

1. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
2. Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
3. Extinction (noun) – /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist
4. Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures
5. Natural disaster (noun) – /ˈnætʃrəl dɪˈzɑːstə(r)/ – a major adverse event resulting from natural processes of the Earth
6. Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
7. Pollution (noun) – /pəˈluːʃn/ – the presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects
8. Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife

Conclusion

The topic of climate change and its impact on natural disasters 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 individual actions vs. government policies in addressing climate change
• The economic impact of increasing natural disasters due to climate change
• The ethics of prioritizing human needs over wildlife conservation in environmental policies
• The relationship between climate change and global migration patterns

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing on these topics and share your essays in the comments section below for feedback and improvement.