The topic of endangered species protection has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in recent years as environmental concerns gain global attention. According to recent analyses of past IELTS exams, questions about wildlife conservation and endangered species protection appear approximately once every 4-5 months, making it a high-frequency topic worth preparing for.
Protect endangered species from extinction: steps? is becoming increasingly relevant as more species face extinction threats worldwide.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that it should be mandatory for governments to protect endangered species while others think that nature should take its course. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for government protection of endangered species
- Present views against intervention
- Provide a personal opinion with supporting reasons
Government protection vs natural selection in endangered species conservation
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether governments should legally protect endangered species has garnered significant attention globally. While some advocate for natural selection to prevail, I firmly believe that government intervention is crucial for species preservation.
Those opposing government intervention argue that species extinction is a natural process that has occurred throughout Earth’s history. They contend that importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance should be maintained through natural selection rather than artificial preservation. Furthermore, they suggest that resources allocated to species protection could be better utilized for human welfare programs.
However, proponents of government protection, myself included, argue that human activities have accelerated extinction rates far beyond natural levels. Modern threats to wildlife such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change are predominantly human-caused, necessitating human intervention to counteract these effects. Government protection of endangered species through legislation can establish protected areas, regulate hunting, and implement breeding programs that have proven successful in saving species like the American bald eagle and giant panda.
Moreover, protecting endangered species has broader ecological and economic benefits. These animals often play crucial roles in their ecosystems, and their loss could trigger a domino effect affecting multiple species and human communities. Additionally, many endangered species contribute to medical research and tourism revenue, providing economic incentives for their preservation.
In conclusion, while natural selection is a fundamental process, the unprecedented rate of human-induced extinction demands government intervention. The success of existing conservation programs demonstrates that legal protection can effectively preserve endangered species for future generations.
Protected species showing population recovery in natural habitat
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The protection of endangered species is a topic that many people have different opinions about. I will discuss both sides and give my view.
Some people think governments should not protect endangered species. They say that extinction is natural and has always happened in history. Also, they think it costs too much money to save animals when we could use this money to help people instead. For example, building hospitals might be more important than saving rare animals.
On the other hand, many people support government protection for endangered animals. The role of government in protecting endangered species is important because humans cause most of the problems these animals face today. We cut down forests and pollute the environment, which makes it hard for animals to survive. Laws can help stop these problems and save animals from dying out.
I think governments should protect endangered species because once they are gone, we can never bring them back. Also, many of these animals are important for nature and can help humans in different ways, like in medicine or tourism.
In conclusion, while some think nature should decide which animals survive, I believe governments must help protect endangered species because humans have caused many of their problems.
Key Vocabulary
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – the protection of plants and animals
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – all the plants and animals in a particular area
- Extinction (n) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – when a type of animal no longer exists
- Habitat (n) /ˈhæbɪtæt/ – the natural home of a plant or animal
Looking ahead, candidates should prepare for similar topics about environmental protection, particularly those focusing on specific conservation measures or the economic aspects of species protection. Practice writing essays about related topics such as how climate change affects wildlife habitats to build your environmental vocabulary and argument skills.
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
