Climate change and its effects on global fisheries is a highly relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its global significance. Based on analysis of previous IELTS questions, we’ve identified a pertinent task that closely aligns with this theme:
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 allows candidates to explore the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, including marine life and fisheries, while also considering other environmental challenges. Let’s analyze this task and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Task Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that loss of biodiversity is the main environmental problem
- Discuss other important environmental problems
- Provide and justify their own opinion
A well-structured response should include an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs discussing both views, a paragraph stating the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental degradation is a pressing global concern, with various issues competing for attention. While some argue that the extinction of plant and animal species is the foremost problem, others contend that different environmental challenges deserve greater priority. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on the matter.
Those who prioritize biodiversity loss argue that the extinction of species has far-reaching and often irreversible consequences. The disappearance of key species can disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to a domino effect that impacts food chains, pollination, and natural pest control. For instance, the effects of climate change on global fisheries have resulted in declining fish populations, which not only threatens marine biodiversity but also jeopardizes the livelihoods of millions who depend on fishing for sustenance and income. Moreover, the loss of plant species could deprive us of potential medical breakthroughs, as many pharmaceuticals are derived from natural compounds.
On the other hand, proponents of the opposing view argue that other environmental issues pose more immediate and widespread threats. Climate change, for example, is often cited as the most urgent environmental challenge of our time. Its impacts are far-reaching, affecting weather patterns, sea levels, and agricultural productivity worldwide. Additionally, air and water pollution pose direct risks to human health and quality of life in many urban areas. These problems, they argue, require immediate action to prevent catastrophic consequences for human civilization.
In my opinion, while the loss of biodiversity is indeed a critical issue, it is intrinsically linked to broader environmental challenges, particularly climate change. The warming of oceans due to climate change directly contributes to the decline of marine species, as evidenced by how climate change affects global fisheries. Similarly, deforestation – often driven by climate-related factors – leads to habitat loss and species extinction. Therefore, I believe that addressing climate change should be the primary focus, as doing so will inherently help mitigate biodiversity loss and other environmental problems.
In conclusion, while the extinction of plant and animal species is a significant concern, it is part of a larger web of interconnected environmental issues. Tackling climate change, which exacerbates many other problems including biodiversity loss, should be our main priority in environmental protection efforts.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Nowadays, there are many environmental problems that our world is facing. Some people think that the biggest problem is the loss of certain types of plants and animals, but others believe there are more important issues to worry about. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, the loss of plant and animal species is a serious problem. When animals or plants disappear, it can affect the whole ecosystem. For example, if bees die out, many plants won’t be pollinated, which can lead to food shortages. Also, some animals and plants might have important uses in medicine that we haven’t discovered yet. If they become extinct, we might lose potential cures for diseases.
On the other hand, there are other environmental problems that some people think are more important. Climate change is a big issue that affects the whole world. It causes extreme weather, rising sea levels, and can make it hard to grow food in some places. The effects of climate change on food security are a major concern for many countries. Another big problem is pollution, which can make people sick and harm nature.
In my opinion, all these environmental problems are connected, and it’s hard to say which one is the most important. Losing plants and animals is bad, but it’s often caused by other problems like climate change and pollution. I think we need to work on solving all these issues together because they all affect each other.
To conclude, while the extinction of plants and animals is a big problem, there are other important environmental issues too. I believe we should try to address all these problems because they are all related and important for our planet’s health.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Task Response: It fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
The essay also demonstrates critical thinking by linking biodiversity loss to climate change, showing a nuanced understanding of environmental issues.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows competence but with some limitations:
- Task Response: It addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough than the Band 8-9 essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated.
- Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary, but with less precision and sophistication than the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with generally good control, but lacks the full flexibility of the Band 8-9 essay.
The main difference between the two essays is the depth of analysis and the sophistication of language use. The Band 6-7 essay presents ideas clearly but with less complexity and nuance compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
- Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment
- Extinction (noun) – /ɪkˈstɪŋkʃn/ – the state or process of a species ceasing to exist
- Pollination (noun) – /ˌpɒlɪˈneɪʃn/ – the transfer of pollen to a stigma, ovule, flower, or plant to allow fertilization
- Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns
- Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems
- Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources
- Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment and of wildlife
- Habitat loss (noun phrase) – /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/ – the decrease in area of an environment in which an organism lives
In conclusion, the topic of climate change’s impact on global fisheries and broader environmental issues is likely to remain relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various environmental challenges, their interconnections, and potential solutions. To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in combating climate change
- The economic impacts of environmental protection measures
- The balance between environmental conservation and economic development
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion!