The topic of protecting endangered species from extinction is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions and current environmental concerns, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people think that protecting endangered species is a waste of resources and efforts. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question asks for your opinion on the value of protecting endangered species. It’s an agree/disagree essay that requires you to take a clear stance and support it with logical arguments and relevant examples.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s world, where biodiversity loss is accelerating at an alarming rate, the question of whether protecting endangered species is worthwhile has become increasingly pertinent. While some argue that it’s a waste of resources, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint and believe that safeguarding endangered species is not only morally imperative but also crucial for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being.
Firstly, every species plays a vital role in its ecosystem, and the loss of even one can have far-reaching consequences. For instance, the near-extinction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park led to an overpopulation of elk, which in turn caused overgrazing and habitat degradation. The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 helped restore the ecological balance, demonstrating the importance of each species in maintaining healthy ecosystems. This interconnectedness means that protecting endangered species is essentially protecting entire ecosystems and, by extension, ourselves.
Moreover, many endangered species hold untapped potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs. The Pacific yew tree, once considered a “trash” tree, was found to contain taxol, a compound now used in cancer treatment. If this species had been allowed to go extinct before its medicinal properties were discovered, we would have lost a valuable tool in fighting cancer. This example underscores the potential hidden within biodiversity and the importance of preserving it for future discoveries.
Furthermore, the efforts to protect endangered species often lead to broader conservation measures that benefit entire habitats and other species. For example, protecting the habitat of the endangered tiger in India has led to the conservation of vast forest areas, which in turn protects countless other species and provides essential ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and water purification. These wider benefits demonstrate that resources spent on protecting endangered species have far-reaching positive impacts.
In conclusion, while the protection of endangered species requires significant resources and effort, I firmly believe that it is far from being a waste. The ecological, scientific, and broader environmental benefits far outweigh the costs involved. As stewards of this planet, we have a responsibility to preserve biodiversity for future generations and maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
(Word count: 345)
Protecting endangered species
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a debate about whether protecting endangered species is a good use of resources. While some people think it’s a waste, I disagree with this view and believe that protecting endangered animals and plants is important.
One reason why protecting endangered species is valuable is that every animal and plant has a role in nature. If one species disappears, it can affect others. For example, if bees became extinct, many plants would not be pollinated, which would cause problems for agriculture and food production. This shows that even small animals can be very important for humans and the environment.
Another point is that endangered species might be useful for medicine in the future. Many medicines come from plants and animals, and if we let species go extinct, we might lose the chance to find new cures for diseases. For instance, some types of coral are being studied for possible cancer treatments. If these corals become extinct before we can study them properly, we might miss out on important medical discoveries.
Also, efforts to save endangered species often help protect whole areas of nature. When we try to save one animal, we usually have to protect its habitat, which helps many other plants and animals too. This is good for the environment in general and can help with problems like climate change. For example, protecting forests for endangered monkeys also helps reduce carbon dioxide in the air.
In conclusion, I believe that protecting endangered species is not a waste of resources. It’s important for keeping nature in balance, finding new medicines, and protecting the environment as a whole. While it may cost money and effort, the benefits for both nature and humans make it worthwhile.
(Word count: 292)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main points effectively.
Examples: Both essays provide specific examples to support their arguments. The higher band essay offers more detailed and varied examples.
Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates better use of cohesive devices and more fluid transitions between ideas.
Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more comprehensive and nuanced response.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – when a type of animal or plant stops existing
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and important structures
- Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- Biodiversity loss (noun phrase) – the decrease in the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or globally
- Ecological balance (noun phrase) – a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms
- Stewardship (noun) /ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ – the job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property
- Pollination (noun) /ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃn/ – the transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to allow fertilization
- Carbon sequestration (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːbən siːˌkwestreɪʃn/ – the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide
Conclusion
The topic of protecting endangered species is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:
- The economic impact of species conservation
- The role of technology in protecting endangered species
- Balancing human development with wildlife conservation
- The ethical considerations of de-extinction technologies
To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section. This practice will help you apply the strategies and vocabulary discussed in this article, enhancing your preparedness for the IELTS Writing Task 2.