The topic of protecting animal habitats from development is a crucial environmental issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, it’s likely to remain a popular subject in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that it is more important to protect animals’ natural habitats than to protect animal species that are close to extinction. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires you to consider two aspects of wildlife conservation:
- Protecting natural habitats
- Protecting endangered species
You need to express your opinion on which approach is more important and justify your stance with relevant examples and arguments.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The preservation of biodiversity is a critical global concern, with debates often arising over the most effective conservation strategies. While some argue that protecting natural habitats should take precedence over safeguarding endangered species, I believe that both approaches are equally important and mutually reinforcing.
On one hand, protecting natural habitats is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Healthy ecosystems provide essential services such as air and water purification, climate regulation, and pollination, which benefit not only wildlife but also human populations. Moreover, preserving habitats ensures the survival of countless species, including those that may not yet be identified or studied. For instance, the Amazon rainforest, home to an estimated 10% of the world’s known species, continues to reveal new flora and fauna to scientists, highlighting the importance of habitat conservation.
On the other hand, focusing on endangered species is equally vital. These animals often play keystone roles in their ecosystems, and their loss could trigger a cascade of ecological imbalances. Furthermore, endangered species conservation efforts often lead to broader habitat protection, benefiting numerous other species in the process. The conservation of giant pandas in China, for example, has resulted in the protection of vast bamboo forests, which in turn support a diverse array of other plant and animal species.
In reality, the most effective conservation strategies incorporate both habitat protection and species-specific interventions. How climate change affects wildlife habitats demonstrates the interconnectedness of these approaches. As habitats change due to global warming, many species face extinction risks, necessitating both habitat preservation and targeted conservation efforts.
In conclusion, while habitat protection is undeniably crucial, it should not come at the expense of endangered species conservation. A holistic approach that combines both strategies is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term health of our planet’s ecosystems.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate between protecting animal habitats and saving endangered species is a complex one. In my opinion, while both are important, I believe that protecting natural habitats should be given more priority.
Firstly, protecting habitats benefits a wider range of species. When we preserve a forest or a coral reef, we’re not just helping one animal, but an entire ecosystem. This approach can prevent many species from becoming endangered in the first place. For example, protecting the Amazon rainforest helps countless plants and animals, not just a single endangered species.
Secondly, habitats are crucial for the survival of all species, including humans. Importance of protecting wetlands from development shows how these areas prevent flooding and filter water, which is important for both wildlife and people. If we focus too much on individual species, we might miss the bigger picture of ecosystem health.
However, I do acknowledge that protecting endangered species is also important. Some animals, like tigers or rhinos, need special attention because they’re close to extinction. Efforts to save these animals can also lead to protecting their habitats, which helps other species too.
In conclusion, while both approaches have merit, I believe that habitat protection should be the main focus of conservation efforts. By preserving natural environments, we can help a greater number of species and maintain the overall health of our planet’s ecosystems.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There is a big debate about whether we should protect animal habitats or save endangered species. I think both are important, but I agree more with protecting habitats.
Protecting habitats is good because it helps many animals at once. When we save a forest, we help all the animals living there, not just one type. This is better than just trying to save one animal that might die out anyway. For example, if we protect a jungle, we help monkeys, birds, and insects all at the same time.
Also, habitats are important for humans too. Forests give us clean air and water. If we only focus on saving one animal, we might forget about these important things that nature does for us.
But saving endangered animals is also important. Some animals like pandas are very rare and need special help. If we don’t help them, they might disappear forever. This would be very sad.
In conclusion, I think protecting habitats is more important because it helps more animals and nature. But we shouldn’t forget about endangered species completely. We should try to do both if we can.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic
- Presents a balanced view with well-developed arguments
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Provides relevant examples and seamlessly integrates them
- Shows clear progression of ideas and cohesion throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Shows a good understanding of the topic
- Presents a clear position with some supporting ideas
- Uses a reasonable range of vocabulary with some less common words
- Provides some examples, though they may be less developed
- Has generally good organization, though some ideas may be less fully elaborated
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task, but may be simplistic or repetitive
- Presents a position, but arguments may be underdeveloped
- Uses basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures
- Provides limited examples or may not fully explain them
- Has some organization, but lacks cohesion in places
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife
- Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/ – (of a species) seriously at risk of extinction
- Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism
- Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist
- Ecological balance (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈbæləns/ – a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms
- Keystone species (noun phrase) /ˈkiːstəʊn ˈspiːʃiːz/ – a species on which other species in an ecosystem largely depend
- Preservation (noun) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – the act of maintaining something in its original or existing state
- Biodiversity hotspot (noun phrase) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti ˈhɒtspɒt/ – a biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from humans
Impact of wildlife conservation on biodiversity is a crucial topic to understand when discussing the protection of animal habitats and endangered species.
Conclusion
The topic of protecting animal habitats from development is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its global importance. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of governments in wildlife conservation
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection
- The impact of climate change on biodiversity
- The ethics of species reintroduction programs
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice writing an essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.