Ocean pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme not only reflects global environmental concerns but also tests candidates’ ability to articulate complex ideas about ecological interdependence. Based on recent trends, we can expect this subject to appear more frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and analyze it in depth.
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question, while not directly mentioning ocean pollution or food chains, allows candidates to incorporate these topics into their response. It requires a discussion of different perspectives on environmental issues and demands a personal opinion. The challenge lies in balancing the discussion of species loss with other environmental problems, potentially including ocean pollution and its impact on food chains.
How climate change affects ocean ecosystems is closely related to this topic, as it’s one of the major factors contributing to species loss and disruption of marine food chains.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental challenges are multifaceted, with various issues vying for attention and resources. While some argue that the loss of specific plant and animal species is the paramount concern, others contend that there are more pressing environmental problems. In my opinion, while species extinction is indeed critical, it is symptomatic of broader, more fundamental environmental issues that require urgent attention.
Those who prioritize species loss argue that biodiversity is the cornerstone of ecosystem health. Each species plays a unique role in its habitat, and the disappearance of even one can trigger a cascade of ecological consequences. For instance, the decline of certain fish species due to overfishing can disrupt entire marine food chains, affecting not only other sea creatures but also human communities that rely on these resources. Furthermore, the loss of plant species can impact air quality, soil stability, and even potential medical discoveries.
However, proponents of the opposing view argue that focusing solely on species conservation overlooks more fundamental environmental challenges. They contend that issues such as climate change, ocean pollution, and deforestation are the root causes of species loss and pose even greater threats to the planet’s overall health. Ocean pollution, for example, not only endangers marine life but also contaminates the food chain, eventually affecting human health. Plastics and chemical pollutants entering the oceans bioaccumulate in marine organisms, leading to far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the loss of individual species.
In my assessment, while the loss of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a critical issue, it is more accurately viewed as a symptom of larger environmental problems. Addressing root causes such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change is essential for a comprehensive approach to environmental protection. By tackling these foundational issues, we not only preserve biodiversity but also safeguard the planet’s overall ecological balance.
In conclusion, while species conservation is crucial, it should be part of a broader strategy that addresses the underlying causes of environmental degradation. Only by taking a holistic approach to environmental challenges can we hope to create lasting solutions that protect both individual species and the complex ecosystems they inhabit.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Environmental problems are a big concern nowadays, and people have different opinions about which ones are the most important. Some think that losing certain types of plants and animals is the main issue, while others believe there are more serious environmental problems. I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
Those who say that losing species is the biggest problem have some good points. Every plant and animal has a role in nature, and when we lose one, it can affect many others. For example, if a type of bee disappears, the plants it pollinates might also die out, which can then affect the animals that eat those plants. This can cause a chain reaction in the environment. Also, we might lose plants that could be used for medicine or other important things.
On the other hand, people who think there are more important environmental issues also make sense. They might say that things like pollution, especially in the oceans, and climate change are bigger problems because they affect everything, including plants and animals. Ocean pollution can harm many sea creatures and even affect the food we eat from the sea. Climate change is changing weather patterns and making it hard for many species to survive in their usual habitats.
In my opinion, I think that while losing species is very sad and important, the bigger environmental problems like pollution and climate change are more urgent. This is because these issues are causing the loss of species and many other problems too. If we can solve these bigger problems, it will help protect many different plants and animals at the same time.
To conclude, both views have valid points, but I believe we should focus more on the root causes of environmental damage like pollution and climate change. By doing this, we can protect not just a few species, but the whole environment, including all the plants and animals in it.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Environmental problems are very important today. Some people think losing some plants and animals is the biggest problem. Other people think there are more important environmental problems. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who say losing plants and animals is the main problem have good reasons. Every plant and animal is important in nature. If we lose one, it can hurt others. For example, if bees die, flowers might not grow. Then animals that eat those plants might also have problems. Also, some plants might be good for medicine, so losing them is bad.
But other people say there are bigger problems. They think things like pollution and climate change are worse because they hurt everything, not just some plants and animals. Pollution in the ocean can make fish sick, and we eat those fish. Climate change makes the weather different and hard for animals to live in their homes.
I think both ideas are important, but I agree more that there are bigger problems than just losing some plants and animals. Pollution and climate change are causing many problems, including making plants and animals die. If we fix these big problems, we can help many plants and animals at the same time.
In conclusion, while losing plants and animals is bad, I think we should focus on bigger problems like pollution and climate change. This way, we can help protect all of nature, not just some parts of it.
Explaining the Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logically organizes information and ideas with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some attempt at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with good control.
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors that may impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Bioaccumulation (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊəˌkjuːmjʊˈleɪʃn/: The gradual accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.
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Interdependence (noun) /ˌɪntədɪˈpendəns/: The dependence of two or more things on each other.
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Habitat destruction (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/: The process by which natural habitat is damaged or destroyed to such an extent that it no longer supports the species present.
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Food chain (noun) /fuːd tʃeɪn/: A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
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Pollution (noun) /pəˈluːʃn/: The presence in or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
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Climate change (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
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Ecological balance (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/: A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable.
In conclusion, the impact of ocean pollution on food chains is a crucial aspect of environmental discussions in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the complexities of this topic and practicing with sample essays like those provided, candidates can improve their ability to address similar questions effectively. Remember to balance your discussion of specific environmental issues with broader ecological concerns, and always support your arguments with relevant examples.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as the impact of climate change on global fisheries or how plastic pollution is affecting marine life. These themes are likely to appear in future IELTS exams and will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental issues. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.