Ocean acidification has become a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually in recent examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current environmental trends, this topic is likely to appear more frequently in future tests, especially in questions about environmental challenges and marine conservation.
Ocean acidification severely impacts marine ecosystems and coral reefs
Recent Task 2 Question Analysis
Some people believe that ocean acidification is the biggest threat to marine ecosystems, while others think there are more serious environmental problems affecting our oceans. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Breakdown
- Topic: Ocean acidification and marine environmental threats
- Task: Discussion + Opinion
- Key requirements:
- Examine both perspectives
- Provide supporting examples
- Present personal stance
- Suggest solutions
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The debate over whether ocean acidification represents the primary threat to marine ecosystems has garnered significant attention among environmental scientists and conservationists. While some argue that this chemical process poses the greatest danger to ocean life, others contend that alternative environmental challenges merit more immediate concern. In my view, while ocean acidification is indeed severe, it is one of several equally critical threats facing our oceans.
Those who consider ocean acidification the paramount threat point to its devastating impact on marine organisms. When seawater absorbs excessive atmospheric CO2, it becomes more acidic, making it increasingly difficult for coral reefs and shellfish to form their calcium carbonate structures. This process threatens not only these species but entire marine food webs that depend on them. Furthermore, acidification occurs gradually and is largely irreversible on human timescales, making it particularly insidious.
However, proponents of the alternative view argue that other environmental challenges pose more immediate dangers. Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, directly kills millions of sea creatures annually and has created vast “garbage patches” in our oceans. Additionally, overfishing has pushed many species to the brink of extinction, disrupting marine ecosystems more rapidly than acidification. These problems, they argue, require more urgent attention as their effects are more immediately observable and potentially more manageable through direct intervention.
In my assessment, ocean acidification cannot be viewed in isolation from other marine environmental challenges. These problems are interconnected, with each exacerbating the others’ impacts. For instance, acidification weakens coral reefs, making them more vulnerable to damage from pollution and temperature changes. Therefore, addressing marine conservation requires a comprehensive approach that tackles multiple threats simultaneously through international cooperation, stricter environmental regulations, and innovative technological solutions.
Comprehensive solutions for marine ecosystem protection and conservation
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Ocean acidification is a big problem for sea life, but some people think other environmental issues are worse. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion about this topic.
Many people believe ocean acidification is the biggest danger to marine life. When the ocean becomes more acidic because of CO2 from the air, it hurts many sea animals. For example, coral reefs can’t grow properly, and shells become weaker. This affects the whole food chain in the ocean. Also, once the water becomes acidic, it’s very hard to make it normal again.
On the other hand, there are other serious problems in our oceans. Plastic pollution is everywhere, and many fish eat it by mistake. Also, too much fishing means some fish types might disappear forever. These problems are easier to see than acidification, and we can fix them faster if we try hard enough.
I think both sides are important, but we need to work on all problems together. We can’t just focus on one problem because they are all connected. For example, if we reduce pollution and stop catching too many fish, it helps the ocean deal better with acidification. We need better laws and cooperation between countries to protect our oceans.
Key Vocabulary
- acidification (n) /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – process of becoming acidic
- paramount (adj) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – supreme, most important
- insidious (adj) /ɪnˈsɪdiəs/ – gradually harmful
- exacerbate (v) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – make worse
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete, including all aspects
- irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – impossible to change back
- calcium carbonate (n) /ˈkælsiəm ˈkɑːbəneɪt/ – mineral structure of shells
- marine ecosystem (n) /məˈriːn ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – community of organisms in oceans
Conclusion
The topic of ocean acidification remains crucial for IELTS candidates to master. Similar questions might focus on:
- Comparing different marine environmental threats
- Discussing solutions to ocean acidification
- Analyzing the economic impact of marine ecosystem degradation
Practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
