The topic of wildlife protection is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern for environmental issues, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS tests and is likely to resurface in various forms:
Some people think that protecting the environment is the government’s responsibility. Others believe that every individual should take responsibility for protecting the environment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question directly relates to environmental protection, which encompasses wildlife conservation. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that environmental protection is the government’s responsibility
- Discuss the view that individuals should be responsible for protecting the environment
- Provide and justify their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine two sample essays addressing this question, one aimed at a Band 8-9 score and another at a Band 6-7 score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental protection, including wildlife conservation, is a critical global issue that has sparked debate over who should bear the primary responsibility. While some argue that governments should lead these efforts, others contend that individuals play a crucial role. In my opinion, both parties must work collaboratively to achieve meaningful results in safeguarding our planet and its diverse ecosystems.
Those who believe environmental protection is primarily a governmental responsibility have valid points. Governments possess the legislative power and financial resources to implement large-scale conservation projects and enforce regulations. For instance, they can establish protected areas, pass laws against poaching, and allocate funds for wildlife research and habitat restoration. Moreover, governments can negotiate international agreements to address transboundary environmental issues, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
On the other hand, proponents of individual responsibility argue that collective action at the grassroots level is equally important. Every person’s daily choices and actions have a cumulative impact on the environment. This includes reducing carbon footprints through sustainable lifestyle choices, supporting eco-friendly products, and participating in local conservation initiatives. Furthermore, individuals can raise awareness, educate others, and exert pressure on governments and corporations to adopt more environmentally friendly policies.
In my view, the most effective approach to environmental protection is a synergy between governmental action and individual responsibility. Governments should provide the framework, resources, and incentives for environmental conservation, while individuals should actively participate in and support these efforts. For example, a government might implement a plastic bag ban, but its success ultimately depends on individual compliance and the adoption of reusable alternatives.
To conclude, while governments play a crucial role in environmental protection through policy-making and large-scale initiatives, the importance of individual actions cannot be overstated. Only through a combined effort, where both governments and citizens take responsibility, can we hope to address the complex challenges of environmental conservation effectively.
(Word count: 309)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of who should be responsible for protecting the environment, including wildlife, is a topic of much debate. Some people think it’s the government’s job, while others believe individuals should take charge. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who say the government should be responsible have some good reasons. Governments have more power and money to make big changes. They can make laws to stop people from harming animals and the environment. For example, they can create national parks to protect animals and their homes. They can also fine companies that pollute. Governments can work with other countries to solve global environmental problems too.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should be responsible also have valid points. Every person can make small changes that add up to a big difference. We can recycle, use less plastic, and save energy at home. People can also choose to buy products that don’t harm animals or the environment. Many individuals volunteer for environmental groups or donate money to help protect wildlife.
In my opinion, both the government and individuals need to work together to protect the environment and wildlife. The government should make good laws and provide resources, but individuals need to follow these laws and make good choices in their daily lives. For example, if the government bans single-use plastics, people need to use reusable bags and bottles.
To sum up, I believe that protecting the environment and wildlife is everyone’s responsibility. Governments and individuals both have important roles to play, and only by working together can we make a real difference in saving our planet and its animals.
(Word count: 276)
Key Considerations When Writing
For Band 8-9:
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Vocabulary: Use sophisticated and precise vocabulary related to environmental protection. For example:
- “Diverse ecosystems”
- “Legislative power”
- “Transboundary environmental issues”
- “Cumulative impact”
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Grammar: Employ a variety of complex sentence structures:
- Conditional sentences: “Only through a combined effort… can we hope to address…”
- Relative clauses: “Those who believe environmental protection is primarily a governmental responsibility…”
- Participle phrases: “…raising awareness, educating others, and exerting pressure…”
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Coherence and Cohesion: Use advanced linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly:
- “On the other hand”
- “Furthermore”
- “In my view”
- “To conclude”
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Task Response: Fully address all parts of the question with well-developed ideas and a clear position.
For Band 6-7:
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Vocabulary: Use a mix of common and some less common vocabulary:
- “National parks”
- “Pollute”
- “Recycle”
- “Single-use plastics”
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Grammar: Use a combination of simple and complex sentences:
- “Governments have more power and money to make big changes.”
- “For example, if the government bans single-use plastics, people need to use reusable bags and bottles.”
-
Coherence and Cohesion: Use basic linking words to connect ideas:
- “On the other hand”
- “For example”
- “To sum up”
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Task Response: Address all parts of the question with clear, if not fully developed, ideas.
Essential Vocabulary
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ – The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and important structures
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ – All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Habitat (noun) /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ – The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪn.dʒəd/ – Seriously at risk of extinction
- Poaching (noun) /ˈpəʊ.tʃɪŋ/ – The illegal practice of hunting or stealing wild animals
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/ – The cutting down of trees in a large area, or the destruction of forests by people
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time
Conclusion
The importance of protecting wildlife is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its significance in contemporary global discussions. As we’ve seen, this theme can be approached from various angles, such as discussing responsibilities, examining causes and effects, or proposing solutions.
To prepare for potential questions on this topic, consider practicing with prompts like:
- Discuss the main threats to wildlife and suggest ways to address them.
- Some people believe that zoos are crucial for wildlife conservation, while others argue they are harmful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
- What role should international cooperation play in protecting endangered species?
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowing the topic, but also about presenting your ideas clearly, coherently, and with appropriate language. Practice writing essays on these topics and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is one of the most effective ways to improve your IELTS writing skills.