Technology’s influence on healthcare delivery is a prominent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore a recent exam question and analyze sample essays across 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 asks candidates to discuss two contrasting views on environmental problems and provide their personal opinion. The task requires:

1. Explaining the view that loss of biodiversity is the main environmental problem
2. Discussing other environmental issues that may be considered more important
3. Presenting and justifying your own stance on the matter

Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Environmental concerns have become increasingly pressing in recent years, with debates arising over which issues deserve the most attention. While some argue that the loss of plant and animal species is the primary problem, others contend that there are more critical environmental challenges. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own viewpoint.

Those who prioritize biodiversity loss argue that the extinction of species has far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. The disappearance of key plant and animal species can disrupt food chains, alter habitats, and reduce nature’s resilience to environmental changes. Moreover, many potential medical breakthroughs and scientific advancements may be lost forever if species go extinct before we can study them. This perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the irreversible nature of species extinction.

On the other hand, proponents of addressing other environmental issues argue that problems like climate change, pollution, and deforestation pose more immediate and widespread threats. Climate change, in particular, is often cited as the most urgent environmental crisis, as its effects are global and potentially catastrophic. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and disruptions to agriculture could lead to mass displacement and food insecurity for millions of people. Additionally, air and water pollution directly impact human health and quality of life in the short term, making them pressing concerns for many.

In my opinion, while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly a serious issue, I believe that climate change represents the most critical environmental problem of our time. The all-encompassing nature of climate change means that it exacerbates other environmental issues, including biodiversity loss. By addressing climate change through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources, we can mitigate many other environmental problems simultaneously.

In conclusion, both the loss of species and other environmental challenges are significant concerns. However, the urgency and far-reaching impacts of climate change make it the most crucial environmental issue to address. By focusing on this overarching problem, we can work towards comprehensive solutions that benefit both the natural world and human society.

(Word count: 337)

Climate change impact on biodiversity loss

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and would likely score in the Band 8-9 range. Here’s why:

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

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas flow logically.

3. Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Complex terms like “biodiversity,” “ecosystems,” and “catastrophic” are used effectively.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. There are no notable grammatical errors.

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

Now, let’s look at a sample essay for a lower band score.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Nowadays, environmental problems are very serious. Some people think that the biggest problem is losing plants and animals. But other people say there are more important problems. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.

First, many people worry about losing plants and animals. They think this is very bad because when animals and plants disappear, it can change the whole environment. For example, if bees die, many plants cannot grow. Also, some animals and plants might have medicines we haven’t found yet. If they die, we lose these medicines forever.

However, other people think there are bigger problems. They worry about things like pollution and global warming. These problems affect everyone in the world, not just animals and plants. For example, air pollution makes people sick and global warming causes dangerous weather. These problems can hurt many people and change how we live.

In my opinion, I think both problems are very important, but global warming is the biggest problem right now. This is because global warming affects everything, including plants and animals. If we can stop global warming, we can help solve many other problems too.

To conclude, losing plants and animals is a serious problem, but I believe global warming is more urgent. We need to work on both issues, but fixing global warming should be our first priority.

(Word count: 234)

Global warming effects on environment

Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates good writing skills and would likely score in the Band 6-7 range. Here’s why:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views 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 introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication and range of a higher band score. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made (e.g., “disappear,” “environment”).

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.

5. Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and supported, but the development could be more thorough and nuanced.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
3. Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – 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. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
6. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
7. Catastrophic (adjective) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering
8. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
9. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
10. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level

In conclusion, this topic on environmental issues, particularly the debate between biodiversity loss and other environmental problems, is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The impact of human activities on wildlife habitats
• The role of international cooperation in solving global environmental issues
• The balance between economic development and environmental protection

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and fully develop your ideas 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.

How technology is improving healthcare access in remote areas is another important aspect to consider when discussing environmental issues and their global impact. Similarly, understanding the impact of AI on the healthcare industry can provide valuable insights into how technology is shaping our approach to global challenges, including environmental ones.