Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Effect of Global Warming on Polar Regions – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Global warming’s impact on polar regions is a critical environmental issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This topic’s relevance to current global challenges makes it a popular choice for examiners, and its complexity allows for diverse arguments and perspectives. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare effectively.

Analyzing the Question

Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

This question, while not explicitly mentioning polar regions, allows for a comprehensive discussion of environmental issues, including the effects of global warming on polar ecosystems. Let’s break it down:

1. Topic: Environmental problems, with a focus on species loss versus other issues.
2. Task: Discuss both viewpoints and provide your opinion.
3. Key points to address:
   • The importance of species loss as an environmental problem
   • Other significant environmental issues
   • Your personal stance on which is more critical

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Environmental concerns have become increasingly prominent in recent years, with debates arising over which issues deserve the most attention. While some argue that the loss of plant and animal species is the primary problem, others contend that there are more pressing environmental challenges. In my opinion, while biodiversity loss is indeed critical, the overarching issue of climate change, particularly its impact on polar regions, poses an even greater threat to our planet’s ecosystem.

Those who prioritize species extinction as the main environmental problem have valid concerns. The loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching consequences on ecosystems, food chains, and even human societies. For instance, the disappearance of pollinator species like bees could severely impact global food production. Furthermore, many plant species with potential medicinal properties may become extinct before their benefits can be discovered, representing a significant loss to medical science and human health.

However, I believe that there are more urgent environmental issues, chief among them being climate change and its devastating effects on polar regions. The rapid melting of polar ice caps due to global warming has far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate Arctic and Antarctic ecosystems. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities worldwide, while changes in ocean currents and temperatures can lead to extreme weather events and disrupt global climate patterns. Moreover, the thawing of permafrost in polar regions releases massive amounts of greenhouse gases, creating a feedback loop that further accelerates global warming.

The loss of polar habitats also contributes significantly to species extinction, making it a more comprehensive problem than isolated cases of biodiversity loss. Iconic species such as polar bears and penguins face the risk of extinction as their hunting grounds and breeding areas literally melt away. Additionally, the effects of polar ice melt on global ocean currents could lead to widespread ecosystem changes, potentially causing mass extinctions far beyond the polar regions themselves.

In conclusion, while the loss of plant and animal species is undoubtedly a serious environmental concern, I believe that the broader issue of climate change, particularly its impact on polar regions, represents a more urgent and all-encompassing threat. Addressing this problem would not only help mitigate species loss but also tackle a host of other environmental challenges, making it the most critical environmental issue of our time.

(Word count: 374)

Melting polar ice caps

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

In recent years, environmental problems have become a big concern for many people. Some think that the main issue is the loss of certain plants and animals, while others believe there are more important environmental problems. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On one hand, people who say that losing specific species is the biggest problem have some good points. When plants and animals disappear, it can upset the balance of nature. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t get pollinated, which could affect our food supply. Also, some animals and plants might have uses we haven’t discovered yet, like new medicines.

On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that some people think are more serious. One big issue is global warming, which is causing a lot of problems around the world. For instance, it’s making polar ice melt, which is bad for animals like polar bears and can cause sea levels to rise. This could flood coastal cities and force many people to move. Global warming is also causing more extreme weather, like stronger hurricanes and longer droughts.

In my opinion, while losing species is definitely a problem, I think global warming is a bigger issue. This is because it affects the whole planet and can cause many other problems, including making more species go extinct. If we can solve global warming, it might help with other environmental issues too.

To conclude, both the loss of species and other environmental problems like global warming are important. However, I believe that dealing with global warming should be the top priority because it has such wide-reaching effects on our planet.

(Word count: 276)

Key Writing Tips

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and smoother transitions between ideas.

2. Vocabulary: The higher band essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “far-reaching consequences,” “biodiversity,” and “feedback loop.” The band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.

3. Grammar: The band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question fully, but the band 8-9 essay provides more nuanced arguments and a clearer personal opinion.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The higher band essay uses more advanced linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly, while the band 6-7 essay relies on simpler transitions.

Essential Vocabulary

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. Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns
4. Permafrost (noun) /ˈpɜːməfrɒst/ – a thick subsurface layer of soil that remains frozen throughout the year
5. Greenhouse gases (noun) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˌɡæsɪz/ – gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation
6. Extinction (noun) /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃən/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist
7. Habitat loss (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/ – the destruction or alteration of the natural environment of a species
8. Polar ice caps (noun) /ˈpəʊlər aɪs kæps/ – the layers of ice and snow covering the North and South Poles
9. Sea level rise (noun) /siː ˈlevəl raɪz/ – an increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to global warming
10. Feedback loop (noun) /ˈfiːdbæk luːp/ – a process in which the outputs of a system are circled back and used as inputs

Conclusion

The effect of global warming on polar regions is a critical topic that encompasses many aspects of environmental change. By understanding and discussing this issue in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, you can demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of environmental challenges. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as:

• The impact of melting glaciers on global water supply
• The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
• The economic consequences of rising sea levels on coastal communities

We encourage you to write your own essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• How Climate Change Affects Global Water Supply
• Climate Change Effects on Coastal Areas
• The Effects of Climate Change on Natural Resources