Ocean acidification and its effects on marine ecosystems have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past tests and current environmental concerns, this topic has appeared in various forms over the past five years and is likely to remain relevant for future tests. Let’s examine some sample essays addressing this crucial environmental issue.
Ocean acidification consequences and mitigation represents one of the most significant challenges facing our oceans today.
The devastating effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and coral reefs
Task Analysis
Some people believe that ocean acidification is the biggest threat to marine ecosystems. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include relevant examples from your knowledge or experience.
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on ocean acidification’s impact
- Support arguments with specific examples
- Demonstrate understanding of marine ecosystem threats
- Compare ocean acidification with other environmental challenges
Band 8 Sample Essay
The effects of climate change on marine life are numerous, but I strongly agree that ocean acidification poses the most severe threat to marine ecosystems. This essay will examine why this chemical process presents such a fundamental danger to ocean life.
Firstly, ocean acidification directly affects the basic building blocks of marine life. When seawater absorbs excessive carbon dioxide, it becomes more acidic, making it difficult for marine organisms like corals, mollusks, and plankton to form their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. This disruption of calcification processes threatens the very foundation of the marine food web, potentially causing catastrophic cascade effects throughout entire ecosystems.
Moreover, while other environmental challenges like overfishing or plastic pollution can potentially be addressed through immediate policy changes, ocean acidification presents a more insidious threat. The chemical changes in ocean chemistry are already locked in for decades due to existing carbon dioxide emissions, meaning that even if we stopped all emissions today, the oceans would continue to acidify for years to come.
how climate change affects ocean ecosystems research shows that the combination of warming waters and increasing acidity creates a “double whammy” effect on marine life. This synergistic impact makes ocean acidification particularly devastating, as organisms must cope with multiple stressors simultaneously.
In conclusion, while marine ecosystems face numerous threats, ocean acidification’s fundamental alteration of seawater chemistry, coupled with its long-lasting effects and synergistic impacts with other stressors, makes it the most serious challenge to ocean life. Urgent action to reduce carbon emissions is essential to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.
The progression of marine ecosystem degradation due to ocean acidification over time
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that ocean acidification is one of the biggest problems for marine ecosystems. This essay will discuss why this is such a serious issue.
The main reason why ocean acidification is very dangerous is because it kills coral reefs and small sea animals. When the ocean becomes more acidic, these creatures cannot make their shells properly. This is very bad because many other sea animals need coral reefs to live, and if the corals die, the other animals will have nowhere to live.
Another problem is that ocean acidification happens very slowly but the effects last for a very long time. Unlike problems like oil spills that we can clean up quickly, we cannot easily fix ocean acidification. Scientists say that even if we stop pollution now, the oceans will still be acidic for many years.
the effect of climate change on coastal cities shows that when marine ecosystems are damaged, it also affects humans who live near the ocean. Many people depend on fishing for food and jobs, so ocean acidification can hurt human communities too.
In conclusion, I believe ocean acidification is indeed the biggest threat to marine ecosystems because it causes long-lasting damage and affects both sea life and humans. We need to take action now to reduce pollution that causes this problem.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2
- Acidification (n) /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – the process of becoming acidic
- Calcification (n) /ˌkælsɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – the process of calcium carbonate formation
- Synergistic (adj) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – working together to produce enhanced effects
- Insidious (adj) /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/ – gradually and secretly causing harm
- Catastrophic (adj) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – involving or causing sudden great damage
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms
- Marine (adj) /məˈriːn/ – relating to or found in the sea
- Degradation (n) /ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃən/ – the process of becoming worse or lower in quality
Conclusion
The impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems remains a critical IELTS Writing Task 2 topic. For practice, consider writing essays on these related topics:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing ocean acidification
- Comparing different threats to marine biodiversity
- Solutions to reduce ocean acidification
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
