Deforestation and its impact on biodiversity is a crucial environmental topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to be a recurring theme in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and provide a comprehensive analysis to help you ace this topic in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that deforestation is necessary for economic development. Others say that deforestation has a devastating impact on the environment, particularly biodiversity. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 format: discussing two contrasting views and providing your own opinion. The topic revolves around the debate between economic development and environmental conservation, specifically focusing on deforestation and its impact on biodiversity.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that addresses the question effectively:
Deforestation has long been a contentious issue, pitting economic progress against environmental preservation. While some argue that clearing forests is essential for development, others contend that it severely damages ecosystems, particularly biodiversity. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of deforestation often cite economic necessity as their primary justification. They argue that clearing land is crucial for expanding agriculture, building infrastructure, and accessing natural resources. For instance, in developing countries, forests may be cleared to create farmland, potentially increasing food production and alleviating poverty. Moreover, the timber industry provides jobs and contributes significantly to many national economies. From this perspective, deforestation is seen as a necessary sacrifice for human progress and prosperity.
However, environmentalists and scientists strongly oppose widespread deforestation due to its devastating impact on biodiversity. Forests are home to countless species of plants and animals, many of which are yet to be discovered. When these habitats are destroyed, entire ecosystems collapse, leading to mass extinctions and irreversible loss of genetic diversity. Furthermore, deforestation contributes to climate change by reducing carbon absorption and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere. This global impact extends far beyond the immediate area of forest clearance, affecting biodiversity worldwide.
In my opinion, while economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of our planet’s biodiversity. The long-term consequences of deforestation far outweigh any short-term economic gains. Instead, I believe we should focus on sustainable development practices that balance human needs with environmental conservation. This could include initiatives such as selective logging, agroforestry, and eco-tourism, which can provide economic benefits while preserving forest ecosystems.
In conclusion, although deforestation may offer some economic advantages, its negative impact on biodiversity is too severe to ignore. It is crucial that we find alternative ways to achieve economic growth without sacrificing our invaluable natural heritage. The future of our planet depends on our ability to strike this delicate balance.
(Word count: 310)
Analysis of the Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
-
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the author’s opinion, and a conclusion.
-
Coherent arguments: Each paragraph presents a clear main idea supported by relevant examples and explanations.
-
Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary related to the topic, such as “contentious,” “alleviating poverty,” and “irreversible loss of genetic diversity.”
-
Complex sentence structures: The author employs a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating grammatical range and accuracy.
-
Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and supported with logical reasoning.
-
Addressing the task: All parts of the question are fully addressed, including both views and the author’s opinion.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Now, let’s look at a sample essay that would typically score in the Band 6-7 range:
Deforestation is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s needed for economic growth, while others believe it harms the environment, especially biodiversity. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support deforestation say it’s important for the economy. They think cutting down trees can help create more farmland and space for buildings. This can lead to more food production and places for people to live and work. Also, selling wood from forests can make money for countries and provide jobs for people. These are reasons why some believe deforestation is necessary.
On the other hand, many people are worried about how deforestation affects the environment. Forests are home to many plants and animals, and when trees are cut down, these living things lose their homes. This can cause some species to die out, which is bad for biodiversity. Deforestation also contributes to climate change because trees help absorb carbon dioxide from the air. When forests are destroyed, this important function is lost.
In my opinion, I think protecting the environment is more important than short-term economic gains. While development is necessary, we should find ways to grow the economy without destroying forests. For example, we could focus on industries that don’t require cutting down trees, or find more sustainable ways to use forest resources.
To conclude, although deforestation might have some economic benefits, I believe its negative impact on biodiversity and the environment is too serious to ignore. We need to find better ways to develop our economies that don’t harm nature so much.
(Word count: 269)
Analysis of the Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 score:
-
Adequate structure: The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
-
Basic arguments: The main ideas are present but lack the depth and sophistication of the higher band essay.
-
Simple vocabulary: The language used is generally clear but lacks the range and precision of higher-level vocabulary.
-
Basic sentence structures: The essay primarily uses simple and compound sentences, with fewer complex structures.
-
Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated, though it could be developed more fully.
-
Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the question but with less depth and detail than the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary for Writing About Deforestation and Biodiversity
-
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
-
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
-
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
-
Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
-
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
-
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment and wildlife.
-
Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.
-
Agroforestry (noun) /ˌægrəʊˈfɒrɪstri/: A land use management system in which trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.
-
Genetic diversity (noun phrase) /dʒəˈnetɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/: The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.
-
Ecosystem services (noun phrase) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɜːvɪsɪz/: The benefits people obtain from ecosystems, such as clean air, water, food, and raw materials.
Tips for Writing About Deforestation and Biodiversity
-
Use specific examples: Mention real-world cases of deforestation and its impact on biodiversity to support your arguments.
-
Balance your argument: Even if you strongly support one side, acknowledge the opposing view to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the issue.
-
Use environmental terminology: Incorporate relevant scientific terms to show your knowledge of the subject.
-
Link ideas: Show the interconnectedness of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and other environmental issues like climate change.
-
Offer solutions: When giving your opinion, suggest realistic ways to balance economic development with environmental conservation.
Conclusion
The impact of deforestation on biodiversity is a crucial topic that requires careful consideration and articulate expression in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments, using appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can craft a compelling response to questions on this subject.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the following related topics:
- The role of governments in preventing deforestation and protecting biodiversity.
- The impact of climate change on global biodiversity.
- The importance of biodiversity for human health and well-being.
Remember to practice regularly and feel free to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful: