Wildlife conservation is a critical topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter a question related to the importance of wildlife conservation programs in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question and explore sample essays at different band levels to help you prepare effectively.
Some people believe that governments should spend money on wildlife conservation programs, while others think this money should be used to improve human lives. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents a common dilemma in IELTS Writing Task 2 – the allocation of government resources. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the viewpoint supporting government spending on wildlife conservation programs
- Discuss the opposing viewpoint that prioritizes human welfare
- Provide and justify their own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s world, the debate between allocating government funds for wildlife conservation versus human welfare is increasingly prominent. While both sides present valid arguments, I believe a balanced approach that addresses both concerns is not only possible but necessary for long-term societal and environmental well-being.
Proponents of wildlife conservation argue that government investment in these programs is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. The extinction of species can have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems, potentially disrupting food chains and altering entire habitats. Moreover, many argue that humans have a moral obligation to protect other species, especially given our role in their endangerment through activities like deforestation and pollution. Conservation efforts also contribute to scientific research, which can lead to breakthroughs in medicine and technology, ultimately benefiting human society.
On the other hand, those prioritizing human welfare contend that government resources should primarily address immediate human needs such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. They argue that in a world where millions still lack access to basic necessities, diverting funds to wildlife conservation may seem frivolous or even unethical. Improving human lives, they claim, will naturally lead to better environmental stewardship as educated and economically stable populations are more likely to engage in conservation efforts.
In my opinion, the dichotomy presented between wildlife conservation and human welfare is a false one. The two are inextricably linked, with the health of ecosystems directly impacting human well-being. For instance, preserving forests not only protects wildlife but also ensures clean air and water for human populations. Similarly, protecting wildlife corridors can enhance biodiversity while also mitigating human-wildlife conflicts, benefiting both animals and local communities.
Therefore, I believe governments should adopt an integrated approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human and wildlife welfare. This could involve allocating funds to conservation programs that also provide employment opportunities for local communities, or investing in sustainable development initiatives that balance human needs with environmental protection. By doing so, we can create a win-win situation that enhances both human lives and the natural world upon which we depend.
In conclusion, while the debate between wildlife conservation and human welfare is complex, it is essential to recognize that these are not mutually exclusive goals. A holistic approach that addresses both concerns simultaneously is not only possible but necessary for creating a sustainable and prosperous future for all living beings on our planet.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether governments should spend money on wildlife conservation programs or use it to improve human lives is a difficult one. There are good arguments on both sides, and I will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
On one hand, some people believe that wildlife conservation should be a priority for government spending. They argue that many animal species are in danger of extinction due to human activities like deforestation and pollution. If we don’t act now to protect these animals, they may disappear forever. This would be a great loss for biodiversity and could have negative effects on the environment that we don’t fully understand yet. Also, many people feel that we have a moral duty to protect other living creatures on our planet.
On the other hand, others think that government money should be used to improve human lives first. They say that there are still many people living in poverty who need help with basic things like food, healthcare, and education. These people argue that it’s more important to take care of humans before worrying about animals. They might say that once human problems are solved, we will be in a better position to help wildlife.
In my opinion, I think both wildlife conservation and human welfare are important, and governments should try to balance their spending between these two areas. We shouldn’t see it as an either/or choice. Many conservation programs can actually help humans too. For example, protecting forests can provide clean air and water for people, as well as homes for animals. Also, some conservation projects can create jobs for local people.
I believe that by being smart about how we spend money, we can improve both human lives and protect wildlife at the same time. This might involve creating programs that do both things together, like eco-tourism projects that protect nature while also providing income for local communities.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I think the best approach is to find ways to support both wildlife conservation and human welfare. By doing this, we can create a better world for both humans and animals.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Some people think governments should spend money on wildlife conservation programs, but others believe this money should be used to make human lives better. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who support wildlife conservation say it’s important because many animals are in danger. They think if we don’t help animals now, some species might disappear forever. This would be bad for nature and could cause problems we don’t know about yet. Also, some people think we should protect animals because it’s the right thing to do.
On the other hand, people who want to improve human lives say there are many poor people who need help. They think it’s more important to give money to things like hospitals, schools, and food for poor people. They believe we should help humans first before we worry about animals.
In my opinion, I think both wildlife and humans are important. Governments should try to help both. Maybe they can make programs that help animals and people at the same time. For example, a wildlife park could give jobs to local people and also protect animals.
I think if we are careful with money, we can help both animals and people. We don’t have to choose only one. Both are important for our world.
In conclusion, while some people want to spend money on animals and others on humans, I think we should try to do both. This way, we can make the world better for everyone, including animals.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Achievement: Fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some limitations:
- Task Achievement: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Some errors in word choice but meaning is generally clear.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Makes some errors but meaning is generally clear.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:
- Task Achievement: Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses only a limited range of structures. Errors may be frequent but meaning is generally clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ – The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings, especially from the damaging effects of human activity.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiː.kəʊ.sɪs.təm/ – All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment.
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Extinction (noun) – /ɪkˈstɪŋk.ʃən/ – The state or situation that results when something has died out completely.
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Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/ – The cutting down of trees in a large area, or the destruction of forests by people.
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Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time.
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Ecological (adjective) – /ˌiː.kəˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl/ – Relating to the relationships between plants, animals, people, and their environment, and the study of this.
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Stewardship (noun) – /ˈstjuː.əd.ʃɪp/ – The job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.
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Habitat (noun) – /ˈhæb.ɪ.tæt/ – The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
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Biodegradable (adjective) – /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.dɪˈɡreɪ.də.bəl/ – Able to decay naturally and in a way that is not harmful to the environment.
In conclusion, the topic of wildlife conservation programs is highly relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. As we’ve seen, it can be approached from various angles, allowing candidates to demonstrate their language skills and critical thinking abilities. To further prepare, consider practicing with related topics such as the impact of climate change on wildlife habitats or the effects of urbanization on wildlife. Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing is regular practice and thoughtful analysis of your own work. Why not try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback? This active approach to learning can significantly boost your writing skills and confidence for the IELTS exam.