The importance of preserving biodiversity in the face of climate change is a critical topic that has gained significant attention in recent IELTS examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current environmental trends, this theme is likely to appear with increasing frequency in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that preserving biodiversity is crucial for addressing climate change, while others argue that technological solutions are more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the importance of preserving biodiversity in combating climate change
- Explore the role of technological solutions in addressing climate change
- Provide a balanced argument considering both perspectives
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Biodiversity preservation and technological advancements are both considered vital strategies in the fight against climate change. While some argue that maintaining ecological balance through biodiversity is paramount, others contend that innovative technologies hold the key to mitigating global warming. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective on this critical issue.
Those who advocate for biodiversity preservation argue that diverse ecosystems are more resilient to climate-related stresses. Intact forests, for instance, act as carbon sinks, absorbing vast quantities of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Moreover, biodiversity ensures the survival of numerous species that may hold the key to future climate adaptation strategies. The preservation of mangrove forests, for example, not only protects coastlines from rising sea levels but also supports a wide array of marine life crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
On the other hand, proponents of technological solutions emphasize the potential of human innovation to address climate change more rapidly and efficiently. They argue that advancements in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, emerging technologies like carbon capture and storage systems offer the promise of actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere, potentially reversing some of the damage already done.
In my opinion, a synergistic approach combining both biodiversity preservation and technological innovation is essential for effectively combating climate change. While technology can provide immediate and scalable solutions, the long-term resilience of our planet depends on maintaining robust and diverse ecosystems. For instance, the development of advanced satellite monitoring systems can enhance our ability to protect and manage biodiversity hotspots, illustrating how technology and conservation can work hand in hand.
In conclusion, preserving biodiversity and advancing technology are not mutually exclusive approaches to addressing climate change. Rather, they are complementary strategies that, when implemented together, offer the best hope for mitigating the impacts of global warming and ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
(Word count: 310)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Climate change is a big problem in the world today, and people have different ideas about how to solve it. Some think that keeping different types of plants and animals alive is very important, while others believe that new technology is the answer. This essay will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think biodiversity is important say that having many different living things helps the environment stay healthy. For example, forests with lots of different trees can take in more carbon dioxide, which is a gas that makes the Earth warmer. Also, some animals or plants might have special abilities that could help us fight climate change in the future, but we don’t know about them yet.
On the other hand, people who support technology think that new inventions can help us solve climate change faster. They say that things like solar panels and wind turbines can give us clean energy without making the air dirty. There are also new machines being made that can take carbon dioxide out of the air, which could help stop the Earth from getting too hot.
I think that both biodiversity and technology are important for fighting climate change. We need to protect nature because it helps keep the Earth healthy in ways we might not even understand yet. But we also need new technology to help us stop pollution and find cleaner ways to make energy. By using both nature and technology together, we have a better chance of solving the problem of climate change.
In conclusion, keeping different types of plants and animals alive and making new technology are both good ways to fight climate change. We should try to do both things to help make sure the Earth stays healthy for the future.
(Word count: 282)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The introduction should paraphrase the question and outline your approach. Body paragraphs should each focus on a single main idea, and the conclusion should summarize your arguments and restate your opinion.
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Balance: For this type of question, it’s crucial to discuss both viewpoints fairly before presenting your own opinion. Aim for roughly equal treatment of both perspectives in your body paragraphs.
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Lexical Resource: Use a range of vocabulary related to the environment, biodiversity, and technology. Higher band scores require more sophisticated and precise language use.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Employ a variety of sentence structures and complex grammatical forms. For band 8-9, ensure near-perfect grammar throughout the essay.
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Cohesion and Coherence: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas within and between paragraphs. Ensure your essay flows logically from one point to the next.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make (something bad) less severe, serious, or painful
- Carbon sink (noun) /ˈkɑːbən sɪŋk/ – a forest, ocean, or other natural environment viewed in terms of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere
- Greenhouse gas (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs/ – a gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
- Carbon capture (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈkæptʃə/ – the process of trapping carbon dioxide produced by burning fossil fuels or other chemical or biological processes
- Synergistic (adjective) /ˌsɪnəˈdʒɪstɪk/ – relating to the interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
In conclusion, mastering essays on the importance of preserving biodiversity in the face of climate change requires a deep understanding of environmental issues, strong analytical skills, and the ability to present balanced arguments. Practice writing essays on this topic and related themes, such as the impact of deforestation on biodiversity or the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. Remember to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and to engage in constructive discussions with fellow IELTS candidates. This active participation will significantly enhance your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.