Global warming and its effects on natural habitats is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on our analysis of past exam trends and expert predictions, this theme is likely to appear frequently in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, we’ve selected a relevant question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that global warming is the most pressing environmental problem facing the world today. Others argue that there are more immediate concerns that need to be addressed. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores, along with detailed explanations to help you understand the scoring criteria.
Question Analysis
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that global warming is the most pressing environmental issue
- Present arguments for other immediate environmental concerns
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Remember to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Global warming has undeniably emerged as a critical environmental challenge in recent decades. While some argue that it should be our primary focus, others contend that more immediate issues demand our attention. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on the matter.
Those who prioritize global warming as the most pressing environmental concern argue that its far-reaching and potentially irreversible consequences pose an existential threat to our planet. The gradual increase in global temperatures is causing polar ice caps to melt, leading to rising sea levels and the destruction of coastal habitats. Moreover, climate change is altering weather patterns, resulting in more frequent and severe natural disasters such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. These changes not only impact human societies but also disrupt ecosystems and threaten biodiversity on a global scale.
On the other hand, proponents of addressing more immediate environmental issues argue that problems like air and water pollution, deforestation, and waste management require urgent action due to their direct and immediate impact on human health and local ecosystems. For instance, poor air quality in many urban areas is causing respiratory diseases and premature deaths, while water pollution is threatening access to clean drinking water for millions of people worldwide. Additionally, how does deforestation impact global weather patterns and contribute to habitat loss for countless species.
In my opinion, while both perspectives have merit, I believe that global warming should be considered the most pressing environmental issue due to its pervasive and long-lasting effects. The impacts of climate change are already being felt across the globe, from how climate change affects wildlife habitats to its influence on human migration patterns. Moreover, addressing global warming often involves solutions that simultaneously tackle other environmental concerns. For example, reducing fossil fuel consumption not only mitigates climate change but also improves air quality and reduces pollution.
In conclusion, while immediate environmental issues deserve attention, the comprehensive and potentially catastrophic nature of global warming necessitates its prioritization. A coordinated global effort to combat climate change is essential to safeguard our planet’s future and address many interconnected environmental challenges.
(Word count: 359)
Global warming's impact on natural habitats
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Global warming is a big problem that many people think is the most important environmental issue today. However, some people believe there are other problems that need to be fixed first. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who think global warming is the biggest problem say it affects the whole world and can cause a lot of damage. When the Earth gets warmer, ice melts and sea levels rise, which can flood coastal areas. It also changes the weather, making storms and droughts worse. These changes hurt plants, animals, and people all over the world.
On the other hand, some people argue that there are more urgent environmental issues to deal with. They say problems like air and water pollution, cutting down forests, and too much trash are harming people’s health and nature right now. For example, dirty air in cities makes people sick, and polluted water can be dangerous to drink. How does climate change impact global health is also an important question to consider.
In my opinion, I think global warming is the most important environmental problem because it affects everything else. It makes other environmental issues worse and can cause long-lasting damage to the planet. If we don’t stop global warming, it will be harder to solve other environmental problems in the future.
To conclude, while there are many environmental issues that need attention, I believe global warming should be the top priority because it has such wide-reaching effects on the planet and all living things.
(Word count: 269)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Global warming is a big problem for the environment today. Some people think it’s the most important issue, but others say there are more important things to fix first. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who think global warming is the biggest problem say it affects the whole world. When the Earth gets hotter, ice melts and sea levels go up. This can cause flooding in coastal areas. It also makes the weather change, causing more storms and dry periods. These changes are bad for plants, animals, and people.
Other people think there are more urgent environmental problems. They say things like air and water pollution, cutting down trees, and too much garbage are hurting people and nature now. For example, dirty air in cities makes people sick, and polluted water is dangerous to drink. How climate change is increasing the frequency of natural disasters is also important to think about.
I think global warming is the most important environmental problem because it affects everything else. It makes other environmental issues worse and can cause long-lasting damage to the planet. If we don’t stop global warming, it will be harder to fix other problems in the future.
In conclusion, while there are many environmental issues that need attention, I believe global warming should be the main focus because it has such big effects on the planet and all living things.
(Word count: 237)
Effects of global warming on ecosystem and biodiversity
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Here’s why it achieves a high band score:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with full awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. There are no noticeable errors, and the writing demonstrates full control of complex sentences.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some points are not fully elaborated.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or inadequate.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary, though there may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control, though some errors occur in complex structures.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task but has several limitations:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task in a general way but may be repetitive or lack focus in parts.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall structure is evident, but paragraphing may be inadequate. Cohesive devices are limited or overused.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at more sophisticated words but with noticeable errors in word choice and spelling.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is attempted, but errors in grammar and punctuation persist, sometimes causing difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Global warming (noun) – /ˈɡləʊbəl ˈwɔːmɪŋ/ – The gradual increase in the overall temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Environmental issue (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪʃuː/ – A problem or concern related to the natural world and its ecosystems.
Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole.
Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns and average temperatures.
Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Pollution (noun) – /pəˈluːʃn/ – The presence or introduction into the environment of a substance which has harmful or poisonous effects.
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.
Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Renewable energy sources infographic
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the topic of global warming and its effects on natural habitats through sample IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. We’ve provided examples for different band scores, along with explanations of why each essay achieved its respective score. This should give you a clear understanding of what examiners look for in high-scoring essays.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics related to environmental issues. Some potential questions you might encounter could include:
- Discuss the role of individual actions versus government policies in addressing climate change.
- Urban sprawl environmental effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements in combating global environmental problems.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
