Deforestation and its effects on global weather patterns is a highly relevant topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms over the years and is likely to continue being a popular choice due to its global significance. Based on past exam trends, we can expect to see questions related to environmental issues, including deforestation, in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that deforestation is necessary for economic development, while others argue that it has severe consequences for the environment and global weather patterns. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that deforestation is necessary for economic development
- Explain the opposing view that deforestation has severe environmental consequences, particularly on global weather patterns
- Provide their own opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Deforestation has long been a contentious issue, with some arguing for its economic benefits and others emphasizing its detrimental environmental impact. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own viewpoint.
Proponents of deforestation often cite its economic necessity. They argue that clearing forests creates space for agriculture, urban development, and industrial expansion, which are crucial for economic growth. For instance, in developing countries, deforestation has allowed for the establishment of large-scale farming operations, providing food security and export revenues. Additionally, the timber industry itself generates significant employment and income for many communities.
However, opponents of deforestation highlight its severe environmental consequences, particularly its impact on global weather patterns. Forests play a vital role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Large-scale deforestation disrupts this balance, leading to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This, in turn, contributes to global warming and alters precipitation patterns. For example, the Amazon rainforest’s deforestation has been linked to reduced rainfall in South America and changes in atmospheric circulation that affect weather patterns globally.
In my opinion, while the economic arguments for deforestation cannot be dismissed entirely, the long-term environmental costs far outweigh the short-term economic gains. The alteration of global weather patterns due to deforestation poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, water resources, and overall ecosystem stability. These consequences can potentially negate any economic benefits derived from deforestation.
In conclusion, a more sustainable approach to economic development is necessary. This could involve investing in reforestation projects, promoting sustainable forestry practices, and exploring alternative economic opportunities that do not rely on extensive forest clearing. By balancing economic needs with environmental conservation, we can work towards a more sustainable future that preserves our forests and stabilizes global weather patterns.
(Word count: 298)
Deforestation's impact on global weather patterns
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion.
Balanced argument: Both perspectives are discussed in detail before the writer presents their own opinion.
Relevant examples: The essay provides specific examples to support each point, such as the economic benefits of large-scale farming and the impact of Amazon deforestation on global weather patterns.
Sophisticated vocabulary: The writer uses a range of advanced vocabulary accurately, such as “contentious,” “detrimental,” and “negate.”
Complex sentence structures: The essay includes a mix of simple and complex sentences, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.
Coherence and cohesion: Ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs, with appropriate use of linking words and phrases.
Task response: All parts of the question are fully addressed, including the writer’s own opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Deforestation is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s needed for economic growth, while others say it’s bad for the environment and weather. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
People who support deforestation say it helps the economy. When forests are cleared, the land can be used for farming, building cities, or factories. This creates jobs and helps countries make money. For example, in some poor countries, cutting down trees lets them grow more food or build things to sell to other countries.
On the other hand, many people are worried about how deforestation affects the environment, especially the weather. Trees are important for the Earth’s climate because they take in carbon dioxide and give out oxygen. When we cut down too many trees, it changes this balance and can make the planet warmer. This can lead to strange weather, like more storms or less rain in some places. For instance, cutting down the Amazon rainforest has changed rain patterns in South America.
In my opinion, I think the problems caused by deforestation are more serious than the economic benefits. Even though it might help make money in the short term, the long-term effects on the weather and environment could be very bad. This could actually hurt the economy in the future if we can’t grow food or if there are more natural disasters.
To conclude, I believe we need to find better ways to grow the economy without cutting down so many trees. We should try to plant more trees, use forests in a way that doesn’t harm them, and find other ways to make money that don’t involve clearing forests. This way, we can help the economy and protect the environment at the same time.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates features typical of a Band 6-7 response:
Addresses the task: The essay discusses both views and includes the writer’s opinion, fulfilling the basic requirements of the task.
Clear structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Some relevant examples: The writer provides some examples, though they are less specific and developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Adequate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited than in higher-scoring responses.
Mix of sentence structures: There is some variation in sentence structure, though complex sentences are less frequent and sophisticated than in Band 8-9 essays.
Basic coherence: Ideas are generally connected, but transitions between paragraphs could be smoother.
Simple language: The essay uses simpler language and explanations, which is appropriate for this band but lacks the sophistication of higher-scoring responses.
Less developed arguments: While both views are presented, the arguments are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Economic and environmental impacts of deforestation
Key Vocabulary
Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Economic development (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The process by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people.
Environmental consequences (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/ – The results or effects of human activities on the natural world.
Global weather patterns (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbl ˈweðə ˈpætnz/ – The typical or characteristic meteorological conditions observed worldwide.
Ecosystem stability (noun phrase) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm stəˈbɪləti/ – The ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time in the face of external stress.
Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources or causing severe ecological damage.
Reforestation (noun) – /riːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – The process of planting trees in an area where there used to be a forest.
Carbon dioxide absorption (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən daɪˈɒksaɪd əbˈzɔːpʃn/ – The process by which trees and other plants take in and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Precipitation patterns (noun phrase) – /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn ˈpætnz/ – The typical distribution and frequency of rainfall, snow, or other forms of water falling from the sky in a particular area.
Greenhouse gas concentrations (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ˌkɒnsənˈtreɪʃnz/ – The levels of gases in the atmosphere that contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming.
In conclusion, the topic of deforestation and its impact on global weather patterns is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires careful consideration. As demonstrated in the sample essays, a strong response to this type of question involves balancing economic and environmental perspectives while providing specific examples and a clear personal stance.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of international cooperation in combating deforestation
- The effectiveness of reforestation projects in mitigating climate change
- The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and local ecosystems
- Sustainable alternatives to deforestation for economic development
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.