Climate change and its impact on endangered species have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve observed a growing trend in questions related to environmental conservation and biodiversity protection. Let’s explore this crucial subject with sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing exam.
Analyzing the Task and Topic
Based on recent IELTS exam trends, a likely question on this topic could be:
Some people believe that protecting endangered species should be the top priority in addressing climate change. Others argue that there are more pressing issues to tackle. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question combines two critical global issues: climate change and endangered species protection. It requires candidates to consider multiple perspectives and form a balanced opinion.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Climate change and the preservation of endangered species are two interconnected global challenges that have sparked considerable debate. While some argue that protecting vulnerable species should be the primary focus in climate change mitigation efforts, others contend that more urgent matters demand attention. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of prioritizing endangered species protection argue that biodiversity loss is an irreversible consequence of climate change with far-reaching implications. They emphasize that each species plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and their extinction could trigger a domino effect, disrupting entire ecosystems. For instance, the decline of pollinator species due to changing temperatures could severely impact global food production. Moreover, many endangered species, such as mangroves and coral reefs, act as natural buffers against extreme weather events, indirectly contributing to climate change resilience.
On the other hand, those who believe other issues are more pressing often point to the immediate threats posed by climate change to human populations. They argue that addressing problems like rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and food security should take precedence over species conservation. This perspective emphasizes the need to protect human lives and livelihoods, suggesting that resources should be allocated to developing sustainable energy sources, improving infrastructure resilience, and adapting agricultural practices to changing climatic conditions.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that a holistic approach that integrates species protection into broader climate change strategies is most effective. The interconnectedness of ecosystems and climate systems means that protecting endangered species is, in fact, a crucial component of climate change mitigation and adaptation. By preserving biodiversity, we maintain nature’s inherent ability to regulate climate and provide essential ecosystem services. Simultaneously, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop sustainable practices will create more favorable conditions for species survival.
In conclusion, rather than viewing endangered species protection and climate change mitigation as separate issues, we should recognize their interdependence. A comprehensive strategy that addresses both concerns simultaneously is not only possible but necessary for the long-term health of our planet and all its inhabitants.
(Word count: 329)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
The topic of climate change and endangered species is very important today. Some people think we should focus on saving endangered animals when we fight climate change, but others say there are bigger problems to solve. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who want to protect endangered species first say that these animals are very important for nature. If we lose them, it can cause big problems in the environment. For example, if bees die because of climate change, many plants won’t grow, and this will affect our food. Also, some animals like elephants help keep forests healthy, which is good for the climate.
On the other hand, some people think we should focus on other problems caused by climate change. They say that things like floods, storms, and not having enough food are more urgent. These problems affect many people right now, so we need to solve them quickly. They think we should spend money on making clean energy and helping people adapt to climate change instead of saving animals.
I think both sides have good points, but I believe we need to do both things together. Protecting endangered species is important because it helps keep nature balanced, which is good for the climate. At the same time, we need to help people who are suffering from climate change now. If we work on both problems, we can make the world better for animals and people.
In conclusion, I think we shouldn’t choose between saving endangered species and solving other climate change problems. We should try to do both because they are connected. This way, we can help the planet and all living things on it.
(Word count: 276)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Climate change is a big problem today. Some people say we should save endangered animals first when we try to stop climate change. Other people think there are more important things to do. I will write about both ideas.
People who want to save animals first say animals are very important. If animals die, it can be bad for nature. For example, if we lose tigers, there might be too many deer, and this can change forests. Also, some animals help fight climate change. Whales can take carbon from the air, which is good for the planet.
But other people think we should focus on different problems. They say we need to help people first. Climate change causes floods and makes it hard to grow food. These problems hurt many people. They think we should use money to make clean energy and help poor people instead of saving animals.
I think both ideas are good, but we should try to do both things. If we save animals, it can also help people. And if we stop climate change, it will be good for animals too. We don’t have to choose only one thing to do.
In the end, I think saving endangered animals and stopping climate change are both important. We should try to do both to make the world better for everyone.
(Word count: 211)
Analysis of Essay Samples
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence, cohesion, and a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, key factors for achieving a high band score.
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “interconnected global challenges,” “far-reaching implications,” and “holistic approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively, such as “By preserving biodiversity, we maintain nature’s inherent ability to regulate climate and provide essential ecosystem services.”
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task with some well-developed ideas, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8-9 essay.
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully developed than others.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, with some use of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is evident but not always logical.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, with some attempts at less common lexical items, though there may be some inaccuracy in word choice or collocation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though some errors occur in more complex structures.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay addresses the task in a basic way, with limited development of ideas and simple language use.
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Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the format is simple, and ideas are not fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but coherence is limited, and cohesive devices are simple and repetitive.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for basic communication. There’s little evidence of less common vocabulary.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally simple, with limited use of complex structures. There are some errors, but meaning is usually clear.
Endangered species facing climate change threats
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
- Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – the process of change by which an organism or species becomes better suited to its environment
- Interconnected (adjective) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪd/ – mutually joined or related
- Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level
Conclusion
The topic of protecting endangered species in the context of climate change is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international cooperation in protecting endangered species
- Balancing economic development with wildlife conservation
- The impact of habitat loss on biodiversity and climate change
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.