IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Craft a Band 8-9 Essay on Protecting Wildlife from Extinction

Wildlife conservation is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Given its relevance to environmental concerns and sustainable development, this topic has a high probability of appearing in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and break down how to construct a high-scoring essay on protecting wildlife from extinction.

Analyzing the Task

Here’s a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that protecting endangered species has no value for human beings. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question requires you to express your opinion on the value of protecting endangered species. It’s crucial to clearly state your position and support it with well-developed arguments.

Sample Essay (Band 8-9)

Here’s a model essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

It is often argued that conserving endangered species offers no tangible benefits to humanity. However, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint, as I believe protecting wildlife is not only intrinsically valuable but also critically important for human well-being and the planet’s overall health.

Firstly, preserving endangered species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, which is essential for ecosystem stability. Each species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a vital role in its habitat. The loss of even one species can trigger a domino effect, disrupting food chains and altering entire ecosystems. This ecological balance is not just important for wildlife, but also for humans who depend on these ecosystems for resources such as clean air, water, and food. For instance, the decline of bee populations worldwide threatens not only the species itself but also our agricultural systems that rely heavily on these pollinators.

Secondly, many endangered species hold untapped potential for medical and scientific advancements. Numerous life-saving drugs have been developed from compounds found in plants and animals, many of which are now at risk of extinction. The rosy periwinkle, for example, has been crucial in treating certain types of cancer. By allowing species to go extinct, we may be losing valuable resources that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries in medicine, technology, and other fields that directly benefit human society.

Furthermore, protecting endangered species often goes hand in hand with preserving habitats that provide essential ecosystem services. Forests, home to countless endangered species, act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change – a global threat to human civilization. Wetlands, which support diverse wildlife, play a crucial role in flood control and water purification. By safeguarding these habitats for endangered species, we simultaneously protect our own living environments and secure vital resources for future generations.

In conclusion, the protection of endangered species is far from being valueless to humans. It is, in fact, inextricably linked to our own well-being and survival. As stewards of the planet, we have a moral obligation to preserve biodiversity, not just for its intrinsic worth, but for the myriad ways it supports and enhances human life. Our efforts to protect endangered species are ultimately investments in our own future and that of our planet.

(Word count: 367)

Wildlife conservation efforts

Sample Essay (Band 6-7)

Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

I disagree with the statement that protecting endangered species has no value for humans. I think there are several important reasons why we should try to save these animals and plants.

First, endangered species are important for the environment. Every animal and plant has a role in nature, and if one disappears, it can cause problems for others. This can affect humans too because we need a healthy environment to live. For example, if bees become extinct, many plants won’t be pollinated, which could affect our food supply.

Second, some endangered species might be useful for medicine. Many medicines come from plants and animals, and some of these might be endangered. If we let these species die out, we might miss the chance to find new cures for diseases. This shows that protecting endangered species could directly help human health.

Also, many people enjoy seeing wildlife, either in nature or in zoos. Endangered animals like pandas or tigers attract tourists, which can help local economies. This shows that these animals have economic value for humans.

Lastly, I think we have a moral duty to protect other living things. Humans have caused many species to become endangered through activities like pollution and deforestation. It’s our responsibility to try and fix this problem.

In conclusion, I believe protecting endangered species is very important for humans. It helps maintain a healthy environment, could lead to medical discoveries, supports tourism, and is the right thing to do morally. We should continue efforts to save these species for our own benefit and for the planet.

(Word count: 269)

Key Considerations When Writing

For Band 8-9:

1. Sophisticated vocabulary: Use advanced words and phrases like “intrinsically valuable,” “tangible benefits,” “ecosystem stability,” and “untapped potential.”
2. Complex sentence structures: Employ a variety of sentence types, including compound and complex sentences.
3. Cohesive devices: Utilize a range of linking words and phrases to ensure smooth transitions between ideas.
4. Well-developed arguments: Provide specific examples and explanations to support each point.
5. Clear organization: Structure the essay logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

For Band 6-7:

1. Good vocabulary: Use some less common words correctly, but with less sophistication than the higher band.
2. Mixture of simple and complex sentences: Show some variety in sentence structure, but with less consistency.
3. Basic cohesive devices: Use common linking words to connect ideas.
4. Relevant arguments: Present clear points, but with less detailed support or examples.
5. Generally clear organization: Follow a logical structure, but transitions may be less smooth.

Challenging Vocabulary to Remember

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. Extinct (adjective) /ɪkˈstɪŋkt/ – no longer in existence
4. Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – prevention of wasteful use of a resource
5. Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
6. Poaching (noun) /ˈpəʊtʃɪŋ/ – illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals
7. Biodegradable (adjective) /ˌbaɪəʊdɪˈɡreɪdəbl/ – capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
8. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
9. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance
10. Ecosystem services (noun phrase) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/ – the benefits people obtain from ecosystems

Conclusion

Writing about wildlife protection in IELTS Task 2 requires a good understanding of environmental issues and the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly. The sample essays provided demonstrate how to approach this topic at different band levels. Remember to practice regularly, focusing on developing your vocabulary, improving your sentence structures, and organizing your ideas coherently.

For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:

1. The role of zoos in wildlife conservation
2. The impact of climate change on biodiversity
3. The ethics of de-extinction (bringing back extinct species)
4. The balance between economic development and wildlife protection

We encourage you to try writing your own essay on the given 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.