The topic of population growth and its effects on natural resources is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on an analysis of past exams and current global trends, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this challenging topic.
Analyzing the Task
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that the rapid growth of the world’s population is the most serious threat to the planet’s resources. Do you agree or disagree?
This question requires you to express your opinion on whether population growth is the primary threat to Earth’s resources. You need to:
- Clearly state your position (agree or disagree)
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Draw a logical conclusion
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a sample essay that could achieve a high band score:
The exponential growth of the global population has long been a subject of concern for environmentalists and policymakers alike. While there are undoubtedly numerous threats to our planet’s resources, I firmly believe that rapid population growth is indeed the most serious among them.
Firstly, the sheer number of people on Earth directly correlates with the consumption of natural resources. As the population increases, so does the demand for food, water, energy, and raw materials. This intensified demand leads to overexploitation of resources, often at rates that exceed the Earth’s capacity to replenish them. For instance, the expansion of agricultural land to feed growing populations has resulted in widespread deforestation, threatening biodiversity and exacerbating climate change.
Moreover, population growth exacerbates other environmental issues. Larger populations produce more waste and pollution, straining the planet’s ability to absorb and process these byproducts. Urban areas, in particular, face challenges in managing waste and maintaining air quality as their populations swell. The increased carbon emissions from a growing number of people contribute significantly to global warming, which in turn affects the availability and distribution of resources worldwide.
Some may argue that technological advancements can mitigate the impact of population growth on resources. While innovation certainly plays a crucial role in resource management, it cannot fully offset the pressure of billions of additional people. Even with improved efficiency, the sheer scale of consumption driven by population growth outpaces our ability to develop and implement sustainable solutions.
In conclusion, while there are multiple threats to our planet’s resources, the rapid growth of the world’s population stands out as the most critical. Its far-reaching effects on resource consumption, pollution, and climate change make it the fundamental driver of environmental degradation. Addressing this issue through education, family planning, and sustainable development policies should be a global priority to ensure the long-term viability of Earth’s resources.
(Word count: 309)
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that might achieve a band score of 6-7:
Many people think that the fast increase in the world’s population is the biggest problem for the Earth’s resources. I agree with this idea because more people means more use of resources and more damage to the environment.
First, when there are more people, we need more food, water, and energy. This means we have to use more of the Earth’s resources. For example, we cut down forests to make farms to grow food for more people. This is bad for animals and plants that live in the forests. Also, we use more water for drinking and farming, which can make some places run out of water.
Second, more people make more pollution. In big cities with lots of people, there is more trash and dirty air from cars and factories. This pollution hurts the environment and can make people sick. It also uses up more of the Earth’s clean air and water.
Some people might say that new technology can help us use resources better. This is true, but I think it’s not enough to solve the problem of too many people. Even if we have better ways to use resources, we still need a lot more when there are billions more people.
In conclusion, I believe that the quick growth of the world’s population is the most serious threat to the planet’s resources. It causes us to use too many resources and make too much pollution. We need to think about ways to slow down population growth and use resources more carefully to protect the Earth.
(Word count: 255)
Key Considerations When Writing
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Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to the environment and population. For band 8-9, incorporate sophisticated terms like “exponential growth,” “overexploitation,” and “biodiversity.” For band 6-7, use simpler but still relevant terms like “increase,” “damage,” and “pollution.”
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Grammar: For higher bands, use complex sentence structures and a variety of tenses. For lower bands, ensure correct use of basic tenses and sentence structures, with some attempts at more complex forms.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays should have a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Higher band essays should use more sophisticated linking words and phrases.
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Task Response: Ensure you directly answer the question and provide relevant examples. Higher band essays should explore the topic more deeply and consider counterarguments.
Essential Vocabulary
- Population growth (noun) /ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the number of people living in a place
- Natural resources (noun) /ˈnætʃrəl rɪˈsɔːsɪz/ – Materials or substances occurring in nature that can be used for economic gain
- Overexploitation (noun) /ˌəʊvərˌekspləɪˈteɪʃən/ – Excessive use of a resource
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world
- Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of making an area more urban
- Consumption (noun) /kənˈsʌmpʃən/ – The using up of a resource
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
Conclusion
The impact of population growth on natural resources is a critical topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key aspects of this issue and practicing with sample essays, you can improve your ability to write a well-structured, coherent response. Remember to adapt your language and complexity based on your target band score.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of governments in managing population growth
- The impact of urbanization on the environment
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection
We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided and share it in the comments section. This active practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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