The topic of wildlife corridors and biodiversity is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, it’s likely to appear more frequently in future exams. This essay will focus on a question that closely resembles past exam topics:
Some people believe that creating wildlife corridors is essential for preserving biodiversity, while others argue that there are more effective ways to protect endangered species. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the importance of wildlife corridors for biodiversity
- Explore alternative methods for protecting endangered species
- Present and justify their own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality, demonstrating different band scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
In recent years, the debate surrounding wildlife conservation has intensified, with some advocating for the establishment of wildlife corridors as a crucial measure for preserving biodiversity, while others argue that alternative approaches may be more effective in protecting endangered species. In my opinion, while wildlife corridors play a vital role, a comprehensive strategy incorporating multiple conservation methods is necessary to address this complex issue.
Proponents of wildlife corridors argue that these passages are essential for maintaining genetic diversity and allowing animals to migrate safely between fragmented habitats. By connecting isolated populations, corridors help prevent inbreeding and increase species’ resilience to environmental changes. For instance, the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative has successfully created a vast network of protected areas and wildlife corridors, enabling large mammals like grizzly bears and wolves to roam freely across their historical ranges. This approach has not only benefited these keystone species but has also had positive ripple effects on the entire ecosystem.
On the other hand, critics contend that there are more effective ways to protect endangered species. They argue that habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and stringent anti-poaching measures may yield more immediate and tangible results. For example, the successful recovery of the California condor can be attributed primarily to intensive captive breeding efforts and habitat management, rather than the creation of wildlife corridors. Additionally, some experts suggest that focusing on ecosystem-wide conservation strategies, such as establishing large protected areas, may be more beneficial than creating narrow corridors that may not suit all species’ needs.
In my view, the most effective approach to preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species lies in a multifaceted strategy that incorporates both wildlife corridors and other conservation methods. While corridors are crucial for maintaining connectivity between habitats, they should be complemented by habitat restoration, captive breeding programs, and strong legal protections against poaching and habitat destruction. Furthermore, how urbanization affects wildlife habitats should be carefully considered when designing conservation strategies, as urban sprawl often leads to habitat fragmentation.
In conclusion, wildlife corridors are an important tool in the conservation toolkit, but they should not be viewed as a panacea. A comprehensive approach that combines various conservation methods, tailored to the specific needs of different ecosystems and species, is necessary to effectively preserve biodiversity and protect endangered species in the long term. By integrating wildlife corridors with other conservation strategies, we can create a more resilient and interconnected natural world.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
The topic of wildlife protection is very important these days. Some people think that making wildlife corridors is the best way to save animals, but others say there are better ways to help endangered species. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
First, wildlife corridors are good because they help animals move between different areas. This is important because many animals need to travel to find food or mates. For example, bears and wolves need large areas to live, and corridors can help them move safely. These corridors also help keep different groups of animals connected, which is good for their genes.
However, some people think there are better ways to protect animals. They say that we should focus on making the places where animals live better, or breeding animals in zoos to increase their numbers. For instance, some endangered birds have been saved by breeding them in captivity and then releasing them into the wild. Also, stopping people from hunting illegally is very important for protecting endangered animals.
The effect of climate change on biodiversity is another big problem that needs to be considered. As the climate changes, animals may need to move to new areas, and corridors could help them do this.
In my opinion, we need to use many different ways to protect animals. Wildlife corridors are important, but we should also use other methods like improving habitats and stopping illegal hunting. I think a combination of all these methods would work best to save endangered species and keep our natural world healthy.
To conclude, while wildlife corridors are helpful, they are not the only solution to protecting endangered species. We need to use many different approaches to make sure we can save animals and keep nature in balance.
Band 5-6 Sample Essay
Nowadays, many animals are in danger because their homes are being destroyed. Some people think making special paths for animals to move around is the best way to help them. But other people say there are better ways to save animals that might die out. I will talk about both ideas and tell you what I think.
Wildlife corridors are good because they let animals go from one place to another safely. This helps them find food and other animals to have babies with. For example, if there’s a road between two forests, a wildlife corridor can help animals cross without getting hit by cars.
But some people think other things work better to save animals. They say we should make the places where animals live better, or maybe breed more animals in zoos. Also, they think we should stop people from killing animals illegally. These things can help animals too.
I think both ideas are good. We need wildlife corridors, but we also need to do other things to help animals. Maybe we can use all these ideas together to save more animals.
In conclusion, there are different ways to protect animals that might die out. Wildlife corridors are one good way, but we should also try other things to make sure animals are safe.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of complex structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Ideas are coherently organized with clear progression and appropriate paragraphing
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Information and ideas are arranged coherently with overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
- Expresses a position but it may not be clear throughout the essay
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary with noticeable errors that may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Wildlife corridor (noun) /ˈwaɪldlaɪf ˈkɒrɪdɔː/ – a strip of habitat connecting populations of wildlife otherwise separated by human activities
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Habitat fragmentation (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃən/ – the process by which habitat loss results in the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, more isolated remnants
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/ – the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas
- Endangered species (noun) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd ˈspiːʃiːz/ – a species at risk of extinction
- Genetic diversity (noun) /dʒəˈnetɪk daɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species
- Captive breeding (noun) /ˈkæptɪv ˈbriːdɪŋ/ – the process of breeding animals in controlled environments
- Anti-poaching (adjective) /ˌæntiˈpəʊtʃɪŋ/ – designed to prevent the illegal hunting of wild animals
- Ecosystem resilience (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm rɪˈzɪliəns/ – the capacity of an ecosystem to respond to a perturbation or disturbance by resisting damage and recovering quickly
Conclusion
The topic of wildlife corridors and biodiversity conservation is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Urbanization’s effects on biodiversity and the importance of wildlife protection are closely related subjects that may also appear in exam questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on:
- Discussing multiple perspectives
- Providing specific examples to support your arguments
- Developing a clear, well-supported personal opinion
- Using a range of appropriate vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Organizing your ideas coherently with clear progression
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.