IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on the Importance of Conserving Endangered Species

The topic of endangered species conservation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, it’s likely to appear frequently in future tests. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to tackling this subject, including sample essays for different band scores.

Let’s examine a common question type related to this topic:

Some people think that protecting endangered animals is a waste of resources. They believe it is more important to spend these resources on improving human lives. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question presents a controversial view on resource allocation between animal conservation and human welfare. It requires you to:

1. Understand the opposing viewpoints presented
2. Form your own opinion on the matter
3. Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
4. Consider counterarguments and address them

Remember, there’s no “correct” answer. The examiners are looking for a well-structured, coherent argument that demonstrates your ability to think critically and express your ideas clearly in English.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay addressing the given question:

In today’s world, where human activities have led to the extinction of numerous species, the debate on whether to prioritize animal conservation or human welfare has become increasingly relevant. While I acknowledge the importance of improving human lives, I firmly believe that protecting endangered animals is not a waste of resources but rather a crucial investment in our planet’s future.

Firstly, conserving endangered species is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. Each species plays a unique role in its ecosystem, and the loss of even one can have far-reaching consequences. For instance, the near-extinction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park led to an overpopulation of elk, which in turn caused overgrazing and soil erosion. The reintroduction of wolves in 1995 helped restore the park’s ecological balance, demonstrating the interconnectedness of all species.

Moreover, many endangered animals have potential benefits for humans that we have yet to discover. Numerous medical breakthroughs have come from studying various species. The Pacific yew tree, once considered unimportant, yielded a compound crucial in treating certain types of cancer. By allowing species to go extinct, we may be losing potential cures for diseases or solutions to other human problems.

However, it is undeniable that human welfare is of paramount importance. Poverty, hunger, and lack of access to healthcare are pressing issues that require immediate attention and resources. Nevertheless, I argue that environmental conservation and human welfare are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are often interconnected. Many communities, especially in developing countries, depend directly on their local ecosystems for food, clean water, and livelihoods. Protecting these ecosystems and the species within them is crucial for the long-term well-being of these communities.

Furthermore, investing in conservation can create economic opportunities. Ecotourism, for example, can provide jobs and income for local communities while incentivizing the protection of endangered species and their habitats. This approach demonstrates how conservation efforts can align with and contribute to human welfare.

In conclusion, while improving human lives is undoubtedly important, I disagree with the notion that protecting endangered animals is a waste of resources. The conservation of endangered species is not only crucial for maintaining ecological balance but can also contribute to human welfare in various ways. A balanced approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human and animal welfare is essential for creating a sustainable future for our planet.

(Word count: 395)

Endangered species conservation

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

In recent years, there has been a debate about whether we should spend money on protecting endangered animals or use these resources to improve human lives. While both are important issues, I believe that we should focus more on helping people, but not completely ignore animal conservation.

One reason to prioritize human welfare is that there are many people suffering from poverty and lack of basic needs. In many countries, people don’t have enough food, clean water, or access to education and healthcare. These are serious problems that need immediate attention. For example, in some African countries, children can’t go to school because they have to walk long distances to get water for their families. If we spend money on solving these problems, we can improve many people’s lives quickly.

However, protecting endangered animals is also important for several reasons. First, all animals have a right to live, and it’s our responsibility to protect them from extinction caused by human activities like deforestation and pollution. Second, many endangered species play important roles in their ecosystems. If they disappear, it could cause problems for other animals and plants. For instance, bees are becoming endangered in some areas, but they are crucial for pollinating plants that we rely on for food.

Another point to consider is that helping animals and helping humans are not always separate things. In some cases, protecting animals and their habitats can also benefit people. For example, conserving forests that are home to endangered species also helps to prevent soil erosion and maintain clean water sources for nearby communities. Additionally, some areas with rare animals can attract tourists, which can create jobs and income for local people.

In conclusion, while I believe that improving human lives should be the main priority, we shouldn’t completely ignore the protection of endangered species. Both issues are important and sometimes connected. The best approach would be to find ways to address human needs while also taking steps to conserve endangered animals and their habitats.

(Word count: 329)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a single main idea.

2. Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to the topic. For higher band scores, incorporate less common words and phrases accurately.

3. Grammar: Demonstrate your ability to use a variety of grammatical structures. For band 8-9, use complex sentences and advanced grammatical forms with a high degree of accuracy.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between paragraphs. Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next.

5. Task Response: Address all parts of the question and present a clear position throughout your essay.

Useful Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on earth as a whole.

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

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

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

5. Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.

6. Ecological balance (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈbæləns/: A state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms.

7. Biodiversity hotspot (noun phrase) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti ˈhɒtspɒt/: A biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is threatened by human habitation.

8. Keystone species (noun phrase) /ˈkiːstəʊn ˈspiːʃiːz/: A species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend, such that if it were removed the ecosystem would change drastically.

Conclusion

The topic of endangered species conservation is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of governments in wildlife protection
• Balancing economic development with environmental conservation
• The impact of climate change on biodiversity
• The ethics of zoos and wildlife sanctuaries in conservation efforts

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.

For more insights on related topics, check out our articles on the role of government in protecting endangered species and how we can protect endangered species.