Climate change and its effects on natural habitats have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject combines environmental awareness with critical thinking, making it a popular choice for test makers. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a high-scoring essay on this crucial topic.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to natural habitats around the world. Others think there are more immediate dangers to wildlife and nature. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents a classic IELTS discussion task. It requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that climate change is the biggest threat to natural habitats
2. Explore other immediate dangers to wildlife and nature
3. Present your own opinion on which view you agree with more

Remember, a well-balanced essay will address both perspectives before presenting a clear, supported opinion.

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:

Climate change has emerged as a major global concern in recent decades, with many experts citing it as the most significant threat to natural habitats worldwide. However, others argue that more immediate dangers pose a greater risk to wildlife and nature. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this critical issue.

Those who consider climate change the primary threat to natural habitats point to its far-reaching and long-lasting impacts. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events are altering ecosystems at an unprecedented rate. For instance, coral reefs are bleaching due to warmer ocean temperatures, while Arctic sea ice is melting, threatening polar bears and other Arctic species. Moreover, climate change exacerbates other environmental problems, such as habitat loss and species extinction, making it a multiplier of existing threats.

On the other hand, proponents of the view that there are more immediate dangers to wildlife and nature often highlight issues such as deforestation, pollution, and poaching. These problems have tangible, short-term impacts that can be observed and measured more easily than the gradual effects of climate change. For example, the rapid destruction of the Amazon rainforest for agriculture and logging is causing immediate habitat loss for countless species. Similarly, plastic pollution in oceans is directly harming marine life, while illegal hunting continues to decimate populations of endangered animals like rhinos and elephants.

Deforestation in the Amazon

In my opinion, while immediate threats to natural habitats are undoubtedly serious, climate change represents the most significant long-term danger to global ecosystems. The insidious nature of climate change, affecting entire regions and altering fundamental environmental conditions, makes it particularly challenging to address. Furthermore, its impacts are often irreversible and can trigger feedback loops that accelerate environmental degradation. For instance, melting permafrost releases greenhouse gases, further exacerbating global warming.

In conclusion, both climate change and immediate threats pose significant risks to natural habitats. However, the pervasive and long-lasting effects of climate change, coupled with its potential to amplify other environmental issues, make it the most pressing concern for the preservation of global ecosystems. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated international action and a fundamental shift in how we interact with our planet’s natural systems.

(Word count: 365)

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the biggest threats to natural habitats around the world. Some people think that climate change is the main problem, while others believe there are more urgent dangers to wildlife and nature. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Many people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to natural habitats. They say that global warming is causing many problems for animals and plants. For example, polar bears are losing their homes because the ice is melting. Also, some forests are dying because of changes in temperature and rainfall. Climate change affects large areas and many different species, which makes it a very serious problem.

However, other people think there are more immediate dangers to wildlife and nature. They point to problems like cutting down forests, pollution, and illegal hunting. These issues can cause quick and visible damage to natural habitats. For instance, when a forest is cut down, animals lose their homes right away. Pollution in rivers and oceans can kill fish and other water animals very quickly. Hunting endangered animals for their body parts is also a big problem that needs to be stopped soon.

In my opinion, I think both climate change and immediate threats are serious problems for natural habitats. However, I believe that climate change is probably the biggest threat overall. This is because it affects the whole planet and can make other problems worse. For example, climate change can make it harder for animals to find food and water, which makes them more vulnerable to other threats like hunting or habitat loss.

In conclusion, while there are many immediate dangers to wildlife and nature, I think climate change is the most significant long-term threat to natural habitats around the world. We need to take action on all these problems, but especially on reducing the effects of climate change to protect our planet’s ecosystems.

(Word count: 309)

Key Differences Between Band 8-9 and Band 6-7 Essays

1. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases like “unprecedented rate,” “exacerbates,” and “insidious nature.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language.

2. Sentence Structure: The higher-scoring essay employs a variety of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay tends to use simpler, shorter sentences.

3. Depth of Analysis: The Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and explanations, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the topic.

4. Cohesion: The higher-scoring essay uses more advanced cohesive devices and transitions between ideas more smoothly.

5. Argument Development: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more nuanced argument, acknowledging the complexity of the issue, while the Band 6-7 essay takes a more straightforward approach.

Writing Tips for This Topic

1. Use specific examples to support your points about climate change and other threats to natural habitats.

2. Employ a range of environmental vocabulary to demonstrate your knowledge of the subject.

3. Show awareness of the complexity of environmental issues by acknowledging multiple perspectives.

4. Use conditional language to discuss potential future impacts of climate change.

5. Incorporate data or statistics if possible, but ensure they are accurate and relevant.

Key Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

3. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.

4. Habitat fragmentation (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃn/: The process by which habitat loss results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants.

5. Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas from damage or destruction.

6. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a perturbation or disturbance by resisting damage and recovering quickly.

7. Anthropogenic (adjective) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/: Caused or produced by human activities.

8. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

9. Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment.

10. Biodiversity hotspot (noun phrase) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti ˈhɒtspɒt/: A biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.

In conclusion, the Impact Of Climate Change On Natural Habitats is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key issues, using appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can craft a high-scoring response. Remember to practice writing essays on this and related topics, such as conservation efforts and the impact of climate change on coastal communities. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and further improvement.