Animal conservation and biodiversity are increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to this theme in future exams. Let’s explore some potential essay questions and provide sample responses for different band scores.

Some people believe that protecting endangered animal species is a waste of resources and that we should focus on human problems instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on the prioritization of resources between animal conservation and human issues. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide balanced arguments
3. Use specific examples to support your points
4. Conclude by restating your opinion

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In an era of rapidly diminishing biodiversity, the debate over allocating resources to protect endangered species versus addressing human problems has become increasingly contentious. While I acknowledge the pressing nature of many human issues, I firmly believe that conserving endangered animals is not only a worthy cause but also intrinsically linked to human welfare.

Firstly, it’s crucial to recognize that biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our planet’s ecosystems. Each species, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the delicate balance of nature. The loss of even a single species can have far-reaching consequences, potentially disrupting food chains and altering entire habitats. For instance, the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park in the United States led to a cascade of positive effects, including the regeneration of vegetation and the return of various bird species. This example illustrates how importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance can have wide-ranging benefits for both wildlife and humans.

Moreover, many endangered species hold untapped potential for scientific and medical breakthroughs. The natural world is a vast reservoir of genetic information and biochemical processes that could lead to new treatments for human diseases. The Pacific yew tree, once considered unimportant, yielded taxol, a compound now used in cancer treatment. By preserving endangered species, we safeguard potential solutions to future human problems.

Furthermore, the dichotomy between animal conservation and addressing human problems is often false. Many conservation efforts create jobs, boost local economies through ecotourism, and protect natural resources that communities depend on. For example, gorilla conservation in Rwanda has not only helped save these magnificent creatures from extinction but has also provided employment and income for local communities.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are indeed pressing human issues that require attention and resources. Poverty, disease, and lack of access to education are significant challenges that cannot be ignored. The key lies in finding a balance and recognizing that environmental conservation and human development are not mutually exclusive goals.

In conclusion, while human problems are undoubtedly important, protecting endangered species is far from a waste of resources. It is an investment in the future of our planet and, by extension, in humanity itself. The intricate web of life on Earth means that the fates of humans and animals are inextricably linked, and by preserving biodiversity, we are ultimately working towards solving human problems as well.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The question of whether we should focus on protecting endangered animals or human problems is a difficult one. While both are important, I believe that we should prioritize human issues over animal conservation, although not completely ignore the latter.

Firstly, there are many urgent human problems that need our attention and resources. Poverty, hunger, and lack of access to healthcare and education affect millions of people around the world. These issues have immediate and severe consequences for human lives and should be our top priority. For example, investing in education can help lift people out of poverty and improve their quality of life, which has a long-lasting impact on society.

However, this doesn’t mean we should completely ignore endangered species. Animals play an important role in our ecosystems and impact of global warming on animal habitats can have serious consequences for humans as well. Some endangered animals might also hold the key to medical breakthroughs or other scientific discoveries that could benefit humans. Therefore, we should allocate some resources to protect these species, but not at the expense of addressing critical human needs.

Balancing human needs and conservation

Moreover, conservation efforts can sometimes align with human interests. Protecting natural habitats can help preserve clean water sources and prevent natural disasters, which directly benefit human communities. Ecotourism related to endangered species can also provide income for local populations, showing that animal conservation and human welfare are not always in conflict.

In conclusion, while I believe we should focus more on human problems, it’s important to find a balance. Allocating the majority of our resources to pressing human issues while still maintaining some support for animal conservation seems to be the most reasonable approach. This way, we can address immediate human needs without completely neglecting our responsibility to protect endangered species.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a fully developed response.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills but with some limitations:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task, presenting a clear position, although the ideas could be more fully developed.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs could be better linked.
3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, but there could be more precision in word choice and idiomatic language.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though some errors are present.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
3. Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings
4. Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ – (of a species) seriously at risk of extinction
5. Ecotourism (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/ – tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife
6. Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
7. Reintroduction (noun) /ˌriːɪntrəˈdʌkʃn/ – the deliberate release of a species into the wild, from captivity or from other areas where the species survives
8. Genetic (adjective) /dʒəˈnetɪk/ – relating to genes or heredity
9. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
10. Intricate (adjective) /ˈɪntrɪkət/ – very complicated or detailed

In conclusion, the topic of animal conservation and its role in biodiversity is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The impact of climate change on biodiversity
• The role of zoos in conservation efforts
• The economic benefits of protecting endangered species
• The ethical considerations of prioritizing certain species over others

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.

IELTS Writing practice on biodiversity topics

how does climate change affect global biodiversity is another crucial topic to explore as you prepare for your IELTS exam. Understanding the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity will enhance your ability to discuss environmental issues comprehensively in your essays.