The topic of government’s role in protecting endangered wildlife is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on environmental conservation, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you tackle this important topic effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that governments should focus on protecting endangered animals, while others think that there are more important issues to address. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should prioritize protecting endangered animals
- Discuss the view that there are more pressing issues for governments to address
- Provide your personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Model Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a sample essay targeting a Band 8-9 score:
In recent years, the debate over government priorities has intensified, with some advocating for a focus on endangered species protection while others argue for addressing more pressing societal issues. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government intervention in wildlife conservation argue that protecting endangered animals is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. They contend that the extinction of species can have far-reaching consequences on entire ecosystems, potentially leading to environmental catastrophes that could impact human life. Furthermore, they assert that governments have a moral obligation to preserve the natural heritage for future generations. For instance, the successful conservation efforts for the giant panda in China demonstrate how government-led initiatives can bring species back from the brink of extinction.
On the other hand, those who prioritize other issues argue that governments should focus on immediate human needs such as poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education. They believe that allocating substantial resources to animal conservation when many people lack basic necessities is misguided. Additionally, they contend that economic development and technological advancements are more pressing concerns in an increasingly competitive global landscape. For example, investing in renewable energy technologies could have a more significant impact on overall environmental protection than focusing solely on individual species.
In my opinion, while both arguments have merit, I believe that governments should strive for a balanced approach. Protecting endangered wildlife is indeed crucial for maintaining ecological stability and preserving biodiversity. However, this should not come at the expense of addressing critical human needs. Governments can and should develop comprehensive policies that integrate wildlife conservation with broader sustainable development goals. For instance, eco-tourism initiatives can simultaneously protect endangered species, create jobs, and contribute to local economies.
In conclusion, the role of governments in protecting endangered wildlife is significant, but it should be part of a holistic approach to environmental and social issues. By finding innovative solutions that address both human needs and wildlife conservation, governments can create sustainable policies that benefit both present and future generations.
(Word count: 329)
Government efforts in wildlife conservation
Model Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay targeting a Band 6-7 score:
In today’s world, there is a debate about what governments should focus on. Some people think protecting endangered animals is important, while others believe there are more urgent problems to solve. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, protecting endangered animals is crucial for our planet. Animals play a big role in keeping nature balanced. If we lose some species, it can affect the whole ecosystem. Governments have the power and resources to create laws and programs to save these animals. For example, many countries have made hunting certain animals illegal, which has helped some species recover.
On the other hand, there are many serious problems that affect people directly. Issues like poverty, poor healthcare, and lack of education need immediate attention. Some argue that it’s more important to help people than animals. Governments have limited money, so they need to choose carefully where to spend it. For instance, building schools or hospitals might be seen as more important than saving a rare type of bird.
In my opinion, I think both issues are important, but we need to find a balance. Governments should try to protect endangered animals while also addressing human problems. They could create programs that do both things at once. For example, eco-tourism can protect animals and create jobs for local people. This way, we can help both animals and humans.
To conclude, while there are different views on what governments should prioritize, I believe it’s possible to work on protecting endangered animals and solving human problems at the same time. Governments should look for ways to address both issues together for the benefit of our planet and its people.
(Word count: 276)
Key Writing Tips
When writing about the government’s role in protecting endangered wildlife, consider these tips:
Use specific examples: Mention real-world conservation efforts or endangered species to support your arguments.
Balance your discussion: Ensure you give equal attention to both viewpoints before presenting your opinion.
Use appropriate vocabulary: Incorporate topic-specific terms like “biodiversity,” “conservation,” and “ecosystem” to demonstrate your knowledge.
Vary your sentence structures: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences to improve your writing style.
Stay on topic: While discussing broader environmental issues is relevant, make sure to keep the focus on the government’s role in wildlife protection.
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms to remember when writing about this topic:
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Endangered (adjective) /ɪnˈdeɪndʒəd/: (Of a species) at risk of extinction.
Habitat (noun) /ˈhæbɪtæt/: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Preservation (noun) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/: The act of maintaining something in its original state.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
Wildlife (noun) /ˈwaɪldlaɪf/: Animals living in the wild, especially those not domesticated.
Conclusion
The role of governments in protecting endangered wildlife is a complex and important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key arguments, using appropriate vocabulary, and structuring your essay effectively, you can craft a compelling response to questions on this subject. Remember to practice writing essays on related topics, such as the importance of protecting wildlife and the significance of conserving endangered species, to further improve your skills.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This exercise will help you apply what you’ve learned and receive feedback to enhance your writing abilities for the IELTS exam.