Industrial agriculture and its effects on biodiversity have become increasingly important topics in recent years, reflecting growing environmental concerns. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a relevant theme in future exams. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed analyses to help you improve your IELTS writing skills.

Analyzing the Task 2 Question

Some people say that industrial agriculture is harming biodiversity. Others argue that industrial agriculture is necessary to feed the world’s growing population. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question presents a classic IELTS Task 2 structure: discussing two contrasting viewpoints and providing a personal opinion. The topic combines environmental concerns (biodiversity) with economic and social issues (feeding a growing population), making it an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your ability to analyze complex issues.

Industrial agriculture impact on biodiversity

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Industrial agriculture has become a contentious issue in recent years, with proponents arguing for its necessity in feeding the world’s burgeoning population, while critics highlight its detrimental effects on biodiversity. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint on this complex matter.

Those who support industrial agriculture often point to its efficiency and productivity as crucial factors in meeting global food demands. Large-scale farming operations, utilizing advanced machinery and genetically modified crops, can produce vast quantities of food at relatively low costs. This increased yield is seen as essential in addressing food security concerns, particularly in developing nations where population growth is outpacing traditional agricultural output. Moreover, proponents argue that by maximizing production on existing farmland, industrial agriculture can help preserve natural habitats that might otherwise be converted for farming.

On the other hand, critics of industrial agriculture emphasize its severe impact on biodiversity. Monoculture farming, a hallmark of industrial agriculture, drastically reduces the variety of plant species in an area, leading to a loss of habitat for numerous animals and insects. The heavy use of pesticides and herbicides further exacerbates this problem by decimating pollinator populations and disrupting entire ecosystems. Additionally, the genetic uniformity of crops in industrial farming makes them more susceptible to disease outbreaks, potentially threatening food security in the long term.

In my opinion, while the need to feed a growing global population is undeniable, the long-term sustainability of our food systems must take precedence. The loss of biodiversity poses a grave threat not only to the environment but also to the resilience of our agricultural systems. I believe that a more balanced approach, incorporating sustainable farming practices and biodiversity conservation, is necessary. This could involve promoting agroecological methods that maintain high yields while preserving ecosystem diversity, investing in research to develop more environmentally friendly farming techniques, and encouraging policies that support small-scale, diverse farming operations alongside larger industrial farms.

In conclusion, although industrial agriculture has played a significant role in meeting global food demands, its impact on biodiversity cannot be ignored. A nuanced approach that balances productivity with environmental stewardship is essential for ensuring both food security and ecological sustainability in the long term.

(Word count: 368)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:

1. Coherent structure: The essay follows a clear four-paragraph structure, introducing the topic, discussing both viewpoints, presenting a personal opinion, and concluding effectively.

2. Balanced argument: Both perspectives are thoroughly explored with specific examples and reasoning.

3. Sophisticated vocabulary: The essay uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately, such as “contentious,” “burgeoning,” “decimating,” and “exacerbates.”

4. Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses.

5. Clear progression of ideas: Each paragraph flows logically from one point to the next, enhancing overall coherence.

6. Well-developed opinion: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and supported with specific suggestions and reasoning.

7. Relevant examples: The essay provides concrete examples to illustrate points, such as mentioning monoculture farming and pesticide use.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

In recent years, there has been a debate about industrial agriculture and its effects on biodiversity. Some people think it is harmful to the environment, while others believe it is necessary to produce enough food for the world. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, industrial agriculture can be very damaging to biodiversity. Large farms often grow only one type of crop, which reduces the variety of plants in an area. This can be bad for animals and insects that need different plants to survive. Also, farmers use a lot of chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, which can kill many insects and small animals. These practices can lead to a big decrease in the number of different species in farmland areas.

On the other hand, supporters of industrial agriculture say it is important for feeding the world’s growing population. With more people on Earth, we need to produce more food. Industrial farms can grow a lot of food quickly and cheaply. This helps to make sure there is enough food for everyone, especially in poor countries where people might not have enough to eat. Some people also argue that by producing more food on less land, we can save other areas for nature.

In my opinion, while feeding the world is very important, we should not ignore the problems that industrial agriculture causes for biodiversity. I think we need to find a balance between producing enough food and protecting the environment. This could include using more environmentally friendly farming methods, like organic farming, and finding ways to make industrial agriculture less harmful to nature. We should also try to reduce food waste and encourage people to eat more plant-based diets, which could help reduce the pressure on agriculture.

In conclusion, industrial agriculture has both advantages and disadvantages. While it helps produce a lot of food, it also harms biodiversity. I believe we need to find better ways to grow food that don’t damage the environment so much.

(Word count: 329)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:

1. Clear structure: The essay follows a basic four-paragraph structure, addressing both viewpoints and providing a conclusion.

2. Relevant ideas: The main points about biodiversity loss and food production are covered, though with less depth than the Band 8-9 essay.

3. Basic vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary but relies more on general terms.

4. Simple sentence structures: While there is some variation in sentence structure, complex sentences are less frequent and sophisticated than in the higher band essay.

5. Coherent argument: The essay presents a logical progression of ideas, though transitions between paragraphs could be smoother.

6. Personal opinion: The writer’s view is clearly stated, though it could be more fully developed.

7. Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they are more general and less specific than in the higher band essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on earth as a whole.

2. Industrial agriculture (noun phrase): Large-scale, intensive farming methods focused on maximizing production and efficiency.

3. Monoculture (noun) /ˈmɒnəʊkʌltʃə(r)/: The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.

4. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

5. Pesticide (noun) /ˈpestɪsaɪd/: A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.

6. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing ecological damage.

7. Agroecology (noun) /ˌæɡrəʊiˈkɒlədʒi/: The study of ecological processes applied to agricultural production systems.

8. Food security (noun phrase): The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

9. Genetic uniformity (noun phrase): The lack of genetic diversity within a population or species.

10. Pollinator (noun) /ˈpɒlɪneɪtə(r)/: An animal that moves pollen from one plant to another, aiding in fertilization.

Conclusion

The impact of industrial agriculture on biodiversity is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like these, you can improve your ability to write coherent, well-structured responses that demonstrate your language skills and critical thinking abilities.

To further enhance your preparation, consider practicing with similar topics such as:

• The role of organic farming in modern agriculture
• Balancing economic development with environmental protection
• The impact of climate change on global food security
• Sustainable solutions for feeding a growing global population

Remember to focus on developing a clear structure, using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and providing specific examples to support your arguments. We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.