Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. It’s also a hot topic in the IELTS exam, frequently appearing in Writing Task 2. Understanding this issue and how to write about it effectively can boost your IELTS score.
This article will explore the impact of plastic pollution on marine life, provide you with potential IELTS essay questions, and give you a model answer to help you achieve a band 8 score.
IELTS Essay Questions about Plastic Pollution and Marine Life
Here are some potential IELTS essay questions related to plastic pollution and its effects on marine life:
- What are the effects of plastic pollution on marine life, and what measures can be taken to address this problem?
- Some people believe that recycling plastic is the best way to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. Others argue that we need to reduce our reliance on plastic altogether. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
- Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to the health of our oceans. What are the causes of this problem, and what solutions can you suggest?
Sample IELTS Essay: Analysing the Problem and Proposing Solutions
Let’s choose the first question to illustrate a band 8 answer:
What are the effects of plastic pollution on marine life, and what measures can be taken to address this problem?
Essay Analysis:
- Type: This is a cause-and-effect essay, requiring you to discuss the consequences of plastic pollution on marine life and propose solutions to mitigate the issue.
- Focus: Ensure your response is balanced, addressing both the impacts and solutions comprehensively.
Model Essay:
Plastic pollution has emerged as a critical environmental threat, with its devastating consequences on marine ecosystems becoming increasingly apparent. This essay will delve into the detrimental effects of plastic waste on marine life and propose potential measures to combat this global issue.
Marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and entanglement. Ingesting plastic can cause starvation, internal injuries, and suffocation. Larger pieces of plastic, such as fishing nets, can entangle marine animals, restricting their movement, leading to injury, suffocation, or drowning. Moreover, plastic pollution disrupts marine habitats. Plastic waste accumulates on the ocean floor, smothering coral reefs and disrupting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
Addressing this crisis demands a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, reducing plastic consumption is paramount. Governments can implement policies to discourage single-use plastics and promote sustainable alternatives. Consumers must also take responsibility by opting for reusable products and reducing their reliance on plastic packaging. Secondly, improving waste management systems is crucial. This includes investing in efficient waste collection and recycling programs, especially in coastal regions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can educate individuals about the consequences of plastic pollution and encourage responsible waste disposal.
In conclusion, plastic pollution poses a severe threat to marine life, causing harm through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat destruction. By adopting a multi-pronged strategy that includes reducing consumption, improving waste management, and raising public awareness, we can mitigate the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and protect the health of our oceans.
(Word count: 282 words)
Writing Tips:
- Vocabulary: Employ a range of vocabulary related to pollution, marine life, and solutions. Use synonyms to avoid repetition and showcase your lexical resource.
- Grammar: Demonstrate control over complex sentence structures. Use a variety of grammatical structures to enhance the coherence and sophistication of your writing.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your essay flows logically with clear topic sentences, linking words and phrases, and a consistent style.
Useful Vocabulary:
- Ingestion (noun) /ɪnˈdʒes.tʃən/: the process of taking food or other substances into the body through the mouth.
- Entanglement (noun) /ɪnˈtæŋ.ɡəl.mənt/: the state of being caught in something such as a net or ropes.
- Suffocation (noun) /ˌsʌf.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/: the state of being unable to breathe because of something pressing on your throat or blocking your nose.
- Debris (noun) /dəˈbriː/: broken or torn pieces of something larger.
- Ecosystems (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/: a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
- Paramount (adjective) /ˈpær.ə.maʊnt/: more important than anything else; supreme.
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/: to make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad.
Conclusion
Understanding the impact of plastic pollution on marine life is crucial for success in the IELTS writing exam. Remember to analyse the essay question carefully, use topic-related vocabulary, and present a well-structured argument. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!