Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Deforestation on Biodiversity – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Deforestation and its effects on biodiversity have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance to global environmental issues suggests it will continue to be a popular subject in future exams. Let’s explore some recent and potential question types related to this topic.

Based on analysis of past IELTS exams and current environmental trends, here are three relevant question types that have appeared or are likely to appear:

1. Discuss the causes and effects of deforestation on biodiversity.
2. Some people believe that protecting endangered species is more important than economic development. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. What are the main threats to biodiversity, and what measures can be taken to protect it?

For this article, we’ll focus on the first question type, as it directly addresses the impact of deforestation on biodiversity and has a high probability of appearing in future IELTS exams.

Analyzing the Question

Discuss the causes and effects of deforestation on biodiversity.

This question requires candidates to explore both the reasons behind deforestation and its consequences on biodiversity. Key points to consider:

1. Identify main causes of deforestation (e.g., agriculture, logging, urbanization)
2. Explain how these causes lead to deforestation
3. Discuss the effects of deforestation on biodiversity (e.g., habitat loss, species extinction)
4. Provide specific examples to support your arguments

Remember to maintain a balanced discussion of both causes and effects throughout your essay.

Sample Essays

Band 8-9 Essay

Deforestation, the large-scale removal of forests, is a pressing global issue with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity. This essay will examine the primary causes of deforestation and its profound effects on the diverse array of life forms that inhabit our planet.

One of the main drivers of deforestation is the expansion of agriculture. As the global population grows, so does the demand for food and agricultural products. Vast tracts of forest are cleared to make way for crops and pastures, particularly in tropical regions. For instance, in the Amazon rainforest, large areas are being converted into soybean fields and cattle ranches, destroying habitats that have evolved over millions of years.

Another significant cause is commercial logging. The timber industry’s insatiable appetite for wood products leads to the felling of countless trees, often in unsustainable ways. This not only removes mature trees but also damages surrounding vegetation and disrupts forest ecosystems. In Southeast Asia, for example, illegal logging has decimated forests, threatening the survival of numerous species, including the critically endangered orangutan.

Urbanization and infrastructure development also contribute to deforestation. As cities expand and new roads are built, forests are cleared to accommodate human settlements and transportation networks. This fragmentation of forest habitats can have severe consequences for wildlife, isolating populations and disrupting migration patterns.

The effects of deforestation on biodiversity are profound and multifaceted. Habitat loss is perhaps the most immediate and devastating consequence. When forests are destroyed, countless species lose their homes, food sources, and breeding grounds. This can lead to rapid population declines and, in many cases, extinction. The loss of even a single species can have ripple effects throughout the ecosystem, as each organism plays a unique role in the intricate web of life.

Furthermore, deforestation contributes to climate change, which in turn affects biodiversity. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing large amounts of carbon dioxide. When trees are cut down and burned, this stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming. Climate change alters weather patterns, disrupts seasonal cycles, and forces species to adapt or migrate, putting additional stress on already vulnerable populations.

The loss of forest cover also leads to soil erosion and changes in local water cycles. This can result in decreased water quality and availability, affecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In addition, many indigenous communities rely on forests for their livelihoods and cultural practices. The destruction of forests not only threatens biodiversity but also endangers human communities and traditional knowledge systems that have coexisted with these ecosystems for generations.

In conclusion, deforestation poses a severe threat to global biodiversity, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, and urban development. Its effects range from direct habitat loss to long-term climate change impacts, jeopardizing countless species and the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts on multiple fronts, including sustainable land management practices, stricter regulations on logging, and increased protection for remaining forest areas. Only through such comprehensive measures can we hope to preserve the rich tapestry of life that our planet’s forests support.

(Word count: 495)

Band 6-7 Essay

Deforestation is a big problem that affects many plants and animals around the world. In this essay, I will talk about why deforestation happens and how it impacts biodiversity.

There are several reasons why forests are being cut down. One main cause is farming. As more people need food, farmers clear forests to grow crops or raise animals. For example, in some countries, large areas of rainforest are cut down to plant palm oil trees or make space for cattle.

Another reason for deforestation is logging. Many companies cut down trees to sell wood for making furniture, paper, and other products. This often happens illegally and causes a lot of damage to forests.

Cities growing bigger is also a cause of deforestation. When new houses, roads, and buildings are made, trees are often cut down to make space. This happens in many countries as populations grow and more people move to cities.

The effects of deforestation on biodiversity are very serious. When forests are destroyed, many animals lose their homes. Some may not be able to find new places to live and might die out. For instance, orangutans in Indonesia are in danger because the forests they live in are being cut down.

Deforestation also causes problems for plants. Many special types of plants only grow in certain forests. When these forests are gone, the plants can’t survive anywhere else. This means we might lose plants that could be useful for medicine or other purposes.

Cutting down forests also affects the climate, which is bad for biodiversity. Forests help to keep the Earth cool and store a lot of carbon. When trees are cut down, this carbon goes into the air and makes global warming worse. This change in climate can make it hard for some animals and plants to survive.

Another problem is that deforestation can cause soil to wash away. This makes it harder for new plants to grow and can affect rivers and lakes. Many fish and other water animals can be harmed by this.

To sum up, deforestation happens because of farming, logging, and city growth. It has many bad effects on biodiversity, including loss of homes for animals, extinction of plants, and climate change. It’s important to find ways to stop deforestation and protect the many different living things in our forests.

(Word count: 379)

Impact of deforestation on biodiversity

Key Points to Note When Writing

When writing about the impact of deforestation on biodiversity for IELTS Task 2, keep these points in mind:

Vocabulary

For a Band 8-9 essay:

• Use precise and sophisticated vocabulary related to the topic
• Incorporate academic phrases and collocations
• Employ a wide range of vocabulary to avoid repetition

For a Band 6-7 essay:

• Use topic-specific vocabulary accurately
• Incorporate some less common words and phrases
• Demonstrate a good range of vocabulary with occasional errors

Grammar

For a Band 8-9 essay:

• Use a wide range of complex structures accurately
• Demonstrate full flexibility and control of complex structures
• Use a mix of simple and complex sentences for effect

For a Band 6-7 essay:

• Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures
• Demonstrate good control over grammar with some errors
• Attempt to use a variety of tenses and structures

Structure

For both band scores:

• Clearly organize your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
• Use clear paragraphing and cohesive devices
• Ensure a logical flow of ideas throughout the essay

Content

For a Band 8-9 essay:

• Provide in-depth analysis and well-developed arguments
• Include specific examples and data to support your points
• Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic

For a Band 6-7 essay:

• Address all parts of the question
• Provide relevant ideas and examples
• Develop your main points with some detail

Essential Vocabulary

Here are some key terms related to deforestation and biodiversity that you should know:

1. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on Earth as a whole.

2. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

3. Habitat fragmentation (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃən/: The process by which a large, continuous area of habitat is divided into smaller, isolated patches.

4. Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/: The protection, preservation, and careful management of natural resources and the environment.

5. Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/: The clearing or removal of a forest or stand of trees from land that is then converted to non-forest use.

6. Biodiversity hotspot (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti ˈhɒtspɒt/: A biogeographic region with significant levels of biodiversity that is under threat from human activities.

7. Endangered species (noun) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd ˈspiːʃiːz/: A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.

8. Reforestation (noun) /riːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/: The natural or intentional restocking of existing forests and woodlands that have been depleted.

9. Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.

10. Carbon sink (noun) /ˈkɑːbən sɪŋk/: A natural environment viewed in terms of its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Conclusion

The impact of deforestation on biodiversity is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the causes and effects of deforestation, and being able to discuss them coherently, you’ll be well-prepared for this type of question. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as:

1. The role of governments in protecting biodiversity
2. The balance between economic development and environmental conservation
3. The importance of preserving rainforests for global climate regulation

To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the question discussed in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.