Climate change and biodiversity have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent examinations. The environmental impact theme continues to gain importance, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared for such topics. Let’s examine some recent real test questions and provide sample essays at different band scores.
The impact of climate change on global weather patterns has been a recurring theme in IELTS examinations, particularly when discussing environmental challenges.
Analysis of Task 2 Question
Some people believe that climate change poses the greatest threat to global biodiversity, while others think human activities like deforestation and overfishing are more harmful. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Compare two perspectives on threats to biodiversity
- Present balanced arguments for both views
- Provide a clear personal opinion
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Climate change versus human activities impact on global biodiversity comparison
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
Climate change and direct human interventions are both significant threats to Earth’s biodiversity, and while they are interconnected, I believe that immediate human activities pose a more severe danger to species survival.
Climate change undeniably presents a substantial threat to global ecosystems. Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns are forcing species to adapt or migrate, with many unable to keep pace with these changes. For instance, effects of climate change on marine life have led to widespread coral bleaching, threatening entire reef ecosystems. Additionally, polar species like Arctic foxes and penguins face habitat loss as ice caps melt.
However, direct human activities arguably cause more immediate and severe damage to biodiversity. Role of animal conservation in biodiversity has become crucial because deforestation alone destroys countless species’ habitats within days, while effects of overfishing on ocean ecosystems have depleted numerous fish populations to critical levels. These actions result in immediate species extinction, unlike the gradual impact of climate change.
In my view, while climate change poses a significant long-term threat, human activities deserve more urgent attention. The rapid destruction of habitats through deforestation, mining, and urban development creates immediate and often irreversible damage. Moreover, these activities often exacerbate climate change effects, creating a devastating cycle of environmental degradation.
To protect global biodiversity, we must address both issues simultaneously. However, priority should be given to stopping destructive human activities while implementing climate change mitigation strategies. This dual approach would offer the best chance for preserving Earth’s precious biodiversity.
Key Vocabulary for Band 8 Essay
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – biological diversity in an environment
- Exacerbate (v) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – make worse
- Irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – impossible to change back
- Mitigation (n) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – reduction in severity
- Depletion (n) /dɪˈpliːʃn/ – reduction in quantity
- Intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – action taken to improve a situation
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – biological community of organisms
Writing Task 2 Marking Analysis (Band 8.0)
This essay achieves Band 8.0 because it:
- Presents clear, well-developed arguments
- Uses sophisticated vocabulary accurately
- Maintains excellent paragraph cohesion
- Provides relevant examples to support ideas
- Demonstrates complex sentence structures
- Expresses a clear position throughout
I encourage readers to practice writing their own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section for feedback. Future IELTS tests may feature similar questions about impact of global warming on animal habitats, endangered species protection, or marine ecosystem conservation.
