Climate change and its impact on weather patterns is a critical topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern about environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests 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 touches on the broader theme of environmental problems, which includes climate change and its effects on weather patterns. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that loss of biodiversity is the main environmental problem
- Present other environmental problems that might be considered more important
- Provide their own opinion on which environmental issues are most significant
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, focusing on how climate change and weather patterns can be incorporated into the response.
Band 9 Sample Essay
Climate change and biodiversity loss are undoubtedly two of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. While some argue that the extinction of plant and animal species should be our primary concern, others contend that there are more critical issues to address. In my opinion, these problems are deeply interconnected, and addressing climate change should be our top priority as it significantly impacts biodiversity and other environmental aspects.
Those who emphasize the importance of preserving biodiversity argue that the loss of species can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. Every plant and animal plays a unique role in its habitat, and the disappearance of even one species can trigger a domino effect, disrupting food chains and altering entire ecosystems. Moreover, many species hold potential value for medical research or agricultural innovation, making their preservation crucial for future scientific advancements.
However, proponents of the opposing view assert that climate change poses a more immediate and comprehensive threat to our planet. The alteration of weather patterns due to global warming affects not only biodiversity but also human societies, economies, and the very stability of our environment. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and shifting precipitation patterns are already causing widespread disruption and displacement. Furthermore, climate change exacerbates other environmental issues such as air and water pollution, soil degradation, and resource scarcity.
The impact of climate change on global agriculture is particularly concerning, as it threatens food security and livelihoods worldwide. Changing weather patterns alter growing seasons, increase the frequency of droughts and floods, and facilitate the spread of pests and diseases, all of which pose significant challenges to farmers and food production systems.
In my view, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a critical issue, addressing climate change should take precedence. Climate change acts as a multiplier, intensifying existing environmental problems and creating new ones. By focusing on mitigating and adapting to climate change, we can simultaneously work towards preserving biodiversity and tackling other environmental challenges. Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and implement sustainable land-use practices will not only help stabilize the climate but also protect habitats and species.
In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is a significant concern, the far-reaching impacts of climate change on weather patterns and the environment as a whole make it the most pressing environmental problem of our time. Addressing climate change effectively will contribute to solving multiple environmental issues, including biodiversity loss, and should therefore be our primary focus.
(Word count: 420)
Climate change impacts on weather patterns
Explanation of Band 9 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 9 response:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s 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: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms related to climate change and the environment.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic.
Band 7 Sample Essay
The debate over which environmental problem should be considered the most significant is ongoing, with some people emphasizing the importance of preserving plant and animal species, while others argue that there are more pressing environmental issues. In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is a serious concern, climate change and its effects on weather patterns represent a more urgent and comprehensive threat to our planet.
Those who prioritize the protection of endangered species argue that each plant and animal plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. The extinction of even a single species can have far-reaching consequences, disrupting food chains and affecting other organisms in ways we may not fully understand. Additionally, many plants and animals have potential value for medical research or as sources of food, making their preservation important for human well-being.
On the other hand, proponents of addressing other environmental issues often point to climate change as the most critical problem of our time. The alteration of weather patterns due to global warming affects not only plants and animals but also human societies and economies. Rising temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, and changing precipitation patterns are already causing widespread disruption. These changes can lead to droughts, floods, and storms that threaten both natural habitats and human settlements.
How climate change affects the availability of freshwater resources is a prime example of its far-reaching impacts. Changing weather patterns alter the distribution of rainfall, leading to water scarcity in some regions and flooding in others, which in turn affects both ecosystems and human communities.
In my view, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly important, addressing climate change should be our top priority. Climate change acts as a multiplier, exacerbating existing environmental problems and creating new ones. By focusing on mitigating and adapting to climate change, we can simultaneously work towards preserving biodiversity and tackling other environmental challenges.
In conclusion, although the extinction of plant and animal species is a significant concern, the wide-ranging impacts of climate change on weather patterns and the environment as a whole make it the most pressing environmental problem we face today. Addressing climate change effectively will contribute to solving multiple environmental issues and should therefore be our main focus.
(Word count: 374)
Endangered species facing habitat loss
Explanation of Band 7 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a Band 7 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and the writer’s opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression. Paragraphing is logical, but some ideas could be linked more effectively.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some less common items and good awareness of collocation. There may be occasional errors in word choice or spelling, but these do not impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures are used, but there may be some errors. These errors do not hinder communication.
Development of Ideas: Main ideas are relevant and supported, but some points could be extended or illustrated with more specific examples.
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
Weather patterns (noun phrase) – /ˈweðə ˈpætənz/ – the recurring characteristics of weather in a particular area
Global warming (noun) – /ˌɡləʊbl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/ – the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere
Extinction (noun) – /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist
Habitat (noun) – /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
Precipitation (noun) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/ – rain, snow, sleet, or hail that falls to the ground
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Adaptation (noun) – /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment
In conclusion, climate change and its effects on weather patterns are crucial topics for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The impact of changing weather patterns on agriculture and food security
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in addressing climate change
- The economic consequences of extreme weather events caused by climate change
- The relationship between urbanization, climate change, and local weather patterns
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.