Deforestation and its environmental consequences are increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared multiple times in recent years, reflecting growing global concern about environmental issues. As such, it’s crucial for IELTS candidates, especially those from Vietnam, to be well-prepared to tackle this subject. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you achieve a high band score.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that deforestation is necessary for economic development, while others argue that it has devastating environmental consequences. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic IELTS dilemma, asking you to consider two opposing viewpoints and express your own stance. The topic combines economic development with environmental concerns, requiring a balanced approach and well-structured arguments.
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the question:
Deforestation is a contentious issue that pits economic progress against environmental preservation. While some argue that clearing forests is essential for development, others contend that it leads to severe ecological damage. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view.
Proponents of deforestation often cite economic necessities. They argue that clearing land is crucial for agricultural expansion, urban development, and resource extraction. In developing countries like Vietnam, for instance, converting forests into farmland can provide food security and income for rural communities. Moreover, logging operations create jobs and generate revenue, contributing to overall economic growth.
However, those opposed to deforestation emphasize its devastating environmental impact. Forests play a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, regulating climate, and preventing soil erosion. The loss of tree cover leads to habitat destruction, threatening countless species with extinction. Furthermore, deforestation significantly contributes to global warming by releasing stored carbon and reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2. These environmental consequences can have long-term economic repercussions, affecting agriculture, water resources, and human health.
In my opinion, while economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of irreversible environmental damage. I believe that sustainable approaches to development are not only possible but necessary for long-term prosperity. Governments and businesses should invest in alternative economic models that preserve forests, such as eco-tourism, sustainable forestry, and payment for ecosystem services. Additionally, reforestation efforts and stricter regulations on logging can help mitigate the negative impacts of past deforestation.
In conclusion, although deforestation may offer short-term economic benefits, its environmental costs far outweigh these advantages in the long run. It is crucial to find a balance between development and conservation, ensuring that economic progress does not compromise the planet’s ecological integrity. (298 words)
Environmental impact of deforestation
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a mid-range sample essay addressing the same question:
Deforestation is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think it’s necessary for economic growth, but others say it’s very bad for the environment. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, cutting down forests can help the economy. It gives land for farming and building new houses and factories. In countries like Vietnam, this can create jobs and make more money for people. Also, selling wood from trees is a good business that helps the country’s economy grow.
However, deforestation also has many bad effects on the environment. When we cut down trees, many animals lose their homes. This can make some species die out. Trees are also important for clean air and stopping the Earth from getting too hot. Without trees, there can be more floods and the soil can get damaged. These problems can hurt farming and people’s health in the future.
I think that while economic growth is important, we should not destroy the environment to get it. There are other ways to make money without cutting down all the trees. For example, we can do eco-tourism or plant new trees to replace the ones we cut. Governments should make rules to protect forests and find new ways to help the economy that don’t harm nature.
In conclusion, I believe that we need to find a balance between economic development and protecting the environment. If we destroy all our forests, it will cause big problems in the future, even if it helps the economy now. We need to think about long-term solutions that are good for both people and nature. (268 words)
Key Writing Tips
Structure: Both essays follow a clear 4-paragraph structure: introduction, arguments for, arguments against, and conclusion with personal opinion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Vocabulary: The band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “contentious issue,” “ecological damage,” and “irreversible environmental damage.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
Grammar: Higher band scores require more complex sentence structures. Notice the use of conditional sentences, relative clauses, and varied sentence lengths in the band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly. The band 8-9 essay demonstrates more advanced techniques, such as referencing previous points.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced opinion.
Essential Vocabulary
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Reforestation (noun) /riːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The process of replanting an area with trees.
Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Erosion (noun) /ɪˈrəʊʒn/: The process of eroding or being eroded by wind, water, or other natural agents.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment.
Extraction (noun) /ɪkˈstrækʃn/: The action of taking out something, especially using effort or force.
Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Conclusion
The environmental impact of deforestation is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments and using appropriate vocabulary and structures, you can craft a compelling essay on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on similar environmental topics, such as climate change, renewable energy, and pollution. These themes are likely to appear in future IELTS tests.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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