IELTS Writing Task 2: How Urbanization Impacts Biodiversity – Sample Essays and Analysis

Urbanization and its effects on biodiversity have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject combines environmental concerns with societal development, making it a rich area for discussion in academic writing. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests:

Some people believe that the greatest threat to biodiversity is urbanization. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether urbanization is the primary threat to biodiversity. Key points to consider:

1. Understand the term “biodiversity” – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
2. Consider the impacts of urbanization on natural habitats.
3. Think about other potential threats to biodiversity for comparison.
4. Decide on your stance – do you fully agree, partially agree, or disagree?

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Urbanization, the process of human migration from rural to urban areas, has undoubtedly had a significant impact on biodiversity. However, while I acknowledge its detrimental effects, I do not believe it is the greatest threat to the variety of life on Earth. This essay will explore the impacts of urbanization on biodiversity and argue that other factors pose equal, if not greater, threats.

Certainly, urbanization poses substantial challenges to biodiversity. As cities expand, natural habitats are destroyed or fragmented, leading to the displacement or extinction of numerous species. For instance, the rapid growth of urban areas in Southeast Asia has resulted in the loss of vast tracts of rainforest, threatening countless plant and animal species. Moreover, urban environments often favor a limited number of adaptable species, reducing overall biodiversity. The dominance of pigeons and rats in many cities exemplifies this phenomenon.

However, I contend that other factors present equally significant threats to biodiversity. Climate change, for example, is altering ecosystems on a global scale, affecting species distribution and survival rates far beyond urban boundaries. The bleaching of coral reefs due to rising ocean temperatures is a stark illustration of this threat. Additionally, intensive agriculture and deforestation, often driven by global demand rather than urban expansion, contribute significantly to habitat loss and biodiversity reduction. The clearing of the Amazon rainforest for cattle ranching and soy production is a prime example of this threat.

Furthermore, pollution and overexploitation of natural resources, while often associated with urban areas, are not exclusive to them and have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity. Plastic pollution in oceans, affecting marine life thousands of miles from any city, and overfishing leading to the collapse of fish stocks, demonstrate that threats to biodiversity extend well beyond urban limits.

In conclusion, while urbanization undoubtedly poses a significant threat to biodiversity, it would be an oversimplification to label it as the greatest threat. The challenges to Earth’s biodiversity are multifaceted and interconnected, with climate change, intensive agriculture, and resource exploitation playing equally critical roles. Addressing the biodiversity crisis requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond managing urban growth to encompass global environmental policies and sustainable practices in all human activities.

(Word count: 345)

Urban sprawl encroaching on natural habitat

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether urbanization is the biggest threat to biodiversity is a complex one. While I agree that urbanization has a significant impact on biodiversity, I don’t think it’s the only major threat. In this essay, I will discuss why urbanization affects biodiversity and mention other important factors.

Firstly, urbanization does harm biodiversity in several ways. When cities grow, they take over natural areas where plants and animals live. This destroys habitats and can make some species extinct. For example, many forests have been cut down to build new housing developments, which has led to the loss of many plant and animal species. Also, cities create pollution that can harm wildlife even in nearby areas.

However, there are other serious threats to biodiversity that we need to consider. Climate change is a big problem that affects plants and animals all over the world, not just in cities. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns are making it hard for many species to survive in their natural habitats. Another important issue is deforestation, which happens in rural areas too, often for agriculture or to get wood.

Pollution is also a major threat to biodiversity. While cities do produce a lot of pollution, it’s not just an urban problem. For instance, plastic pollution in the oceans affects marine life far from any city. Overfishing is another example of how human activities, not necessarily related to urbanization, can harm biodiversity.

In conclusion, while urbanization is definitely a big threat to biodiversity, I don’t think it’s correct to say it’s the biggest threat. There are many other factors like climate change, deforestation, and pollution that are equally important to consider. To protect biodiversity, we need to address all these issues, not just focus on cities.

(Word count: 292)

Key Points to Note When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more developed ideas and smoother transitions.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Arguments: The higher band essay presents a more nuanced argument, acknowledging urbanization’s impact while arguing for the significance of other factors. The Band 6-7 essay makes a similar point but with less depth and fewer specific examples.

4. Examples: Both essays use examples to support their points, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more specific and varied examples.

5. Coherence: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates stronger coherence with clear topic sentences and a more logical flow of ideas.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
2. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process by which more and more people leave rural areas to live in cities
3. Habitat fragmentation (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃn/ – the process where a large, continuous area of habitat is divided into smaller, isolated patches
4. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
5. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
6. Climate change (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures
7. Overexploitation (noun) /ˌəʊvərˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – excessive use of a resource
8. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources

In conclusion, the topic of urbanization’s impact on biodiversity is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, consider practicing with variations of this question, such as discussing solutions to urban biodiversity loss or comparing urbanization’s effects with other environmental challenges. Remember to use specific examples and maintain a clear structure in your essays. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further discussion!