Global warming and its effects on wildlife habitats have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent exam trends and the growing importance of environmental issues, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that global warming is the most pressing environmental problem facing the world today. Others argue that habitat destruction poses a greater threat to wildlife. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that global warming is the most critical environmental issue
2. Examine the perspective that habitat destruction is a more significant threat to wildlife
3. Provide their own opinion on which issue is more pressing

It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your own stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Climate change and habitat loss are two of the most significant environmental challenges facing our planet today. While some argue that global warming is the primary concern, others contend that habitat destruction poses a more immediate threat to wildlife. In my opinion, both issues are interconnected and equally critical, requiring urgent attention and action.

Those who prioritize global warming as the most pressing environmental problem argue that its far-reaching consequences affect all ecosystems worldwide. Rising temperatures lead to melting polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which have devastating effects on wildlife habitats. For instance, polar bears are losing their Arctic sea ice hunting grounds, forcing them to swim longer distances and potentially starve. Furthermore, global warming disrupts delicate ecological balances, altering migration patterns and food availability for countless species.

On the other hand, proponents of the view that habitat destruction is a greater threat to wildlife emphasize the immediate and often irreversible nature of this problem. Deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion are rapidly eliminating crucial habitats for numerous species. The impact of rising temperatures on wildlife is undeniable, but habitat loss often results in the direct displacement or extinction of entire populations. For example, the critically endangered Sumatran orangutan has lost over 80% of its natural habitat due to palm oil plantations, pushing the species to the brink of extinction.

In my view, it is crucial to recognize that global warming and habitat destruction are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing issues. Climate change exacerbates habitat loss by altering ecosystems and forcing species to adapt or relocate, while deforestation impacts global weather patterns, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Addressing one problem without considering the other would be short-sighted and ineffective.

In conclusion, both global warming and habitat destruction pose severe threats to wildlife and require immediate action. Rather than prioritizing one over the other, a comprehensive approach that tackles both issues simultaneously is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of our planet’s ecosystems.

Climate change impacts on wildlife habitats

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Global warming and habitat destruction are two major environmental problems that affect wildlife today. Some people think global warming is the biggest issue, while others believe habitat destruction is more dangerous for animals. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

People who say global warming is the most important problem think it affects the whole world. When temperatures rise, it causes many problems for animals. For example, ice in the Arctic is melting, which makes it hard for polar bears to hunt and survive. Also, global warming changes the weather, which can affect where animals live and what they eat.

On the other hand, some people believe habitat destruction is worse for wildlife. When humans cut down forests or build cities, many animals lose their homes. This happens very quickly and can cause animals to die or become endangered. For instance, orangutans in Indonesia are losing their forests because of palm oil farms, and now there are very few left.

In my opinion, both global warming and habitat destruction are very serious problems for wildlife. They are connected to each other, and the effects of global warming on natural habitats can be severe. When the climate changes, it can also destroy habitats, so we need to solve both problems together.

To conclude, I think global warming and habitat destruction are equally important issues that threaten wildlife. We should work on fixing both problems at the same time to protect animals and nature.

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, many people worry about the environment. Some think global warming is the biggest problem, but others say destroying animal homes is worse. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

Global warming is when the Earth gets hotter. This is bad for animals because it changes where they can live. For example, polar bears need ice to hunt, but the ice is melting. Also, some birds have to fly to different places because it’s too hot where they used to live.

Destroying animal homes is also a big problem. When people cut down trees or build houses, animals lose their homes. This happens very fast and can kill many animals. For example, many orangutans are dying because people are cutting down their forests.

I think both problems are very bad for animals. Global warming and destroying homes both make it hard for animals to live. We need to stop both problems to help animals.

In conclusion, global warming and destroying animal homes are both important problems. We should try to fix both to protect animals and nature.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
• Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a clear overall position
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Information and ideas are organized coherently, but there may be a lack of overall progression

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
• Expresses a position but development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
• Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression

Key Vocabulary to Remember

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

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

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

4. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process of making an area more urban.

5. Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/: The state or process of a species ceasing to exist.

6. 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.

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

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

9. Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.

10. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

Wildlife conservation efforts

In conclusion, the impact of global warming on animal habitats is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in your essay, focus on addressing all parts of the question, providing balanced arguments, and expressing your opinion clearly. Practice writing essays on related topics such as the effects of climate change on specific ecosystems, the role of human activities in habitat destruction, and potential solutions for wildlife conservation. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures while maintaining coherence and cohesion throughout your essay. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.