Urbanization and its impact on biodiversity is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS tests and is likely to continue being a relevant theme in future exams. Given its importance in both environmental studies and urban planning, it’s crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared to address this topic.
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
As cities continue to grow, the natural habitats of animals and plants are disappearing. What are the causes of this and what are some possible solutions?
Analyzing the Question
This question is asking candidates to discuss two main points:
- The causes of habitat loss due to urban expansion
- Potential solutions to address this issue
It’s important to note that this is a problem-solution essay, which requires a balanced discussion of both the causes and the solutions. Candidates should aim to provide at least two causes and two solutions, with detailed explanations and examples for each.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to a significant reduction in natural habitats, posing a severe threat to biodiversity. This essay will explore the primary causes of this phenomenon and propose viable solutions to mitigate its impact.
One of the main reasons for the disappearance of natural habitats is the increasing demand for housing and infrastructure in growing cities. As populations expand, there is a pressing need for more residential areas, commercial spaces, and transportation networks. Consequently, forests, wetlands, and grasslands are often cleared to make way for urban development. For instance, in many developing countries, suburban sprawl has resulted in the destruction of vast areas of previously untouched ecosystems.
Another significant factor contributing to habitat loss is the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. Urban areas require enormous amounts of raw materials for construction and energy production. This leads to activities such as deforestation, mining, and the draining of wetlands, which directly impact the habitats of numerous species. In Brazil, for example, the Amazon rainforest continues to be cleared at an alarming rate to meet the demands of growing cities and industries.
To address these issues, one potential solution is to implement strict urban planning policies that prioritize the preservation of natural habitats. Cities could adopt “green belt” strategies, where development is restricted in designated areas surrounding urban centers to maintain ecological corridors. Singapore has successfully implemented such policies, creating a balance between urban growth and nature conservation through its “City in a Garden” approach.
Additionally, promoting sustainable urban development practices can significantly reduce the impact on biodiversity. This includes encouraging the use of renewable energy sources, implementing green building standards, and developing compact, mixed-use urban areas to minimize sprawl. Cities like Copenhagen have shown that it’s possible to grow sustainably by investing in clean energy and efficient public transportation systems, thereby reducing the need for extensive urban expansion.
In conclusion, while the loss of natural habitats due to urbanization is a pressing concern, there are effective strategies that can be employed to mitigate its impact. By implementing stringent urban planning policies and embracing sustainable development practices, it is possible to create cities that coexist harmoniously with nature, preserving biodiversity for future generations.
(Word count: 367)
Band 6-7 Essay
The growth of cities is causing a big problem for animals and plants as their natural homes are being destroyed. This essay will look at why this is happening and suggest some ways to solve the problem.
One main reason for the loss of habitats is that cities need more space as more people move to them. When cities grow, they often spread into nearby natural areas. This means forests, fields, and wetlands are turned into houses, roads, and shops. For example, in many countries, you can see new houses being built on land that used to be home to wildlife.
Another cause is that cities use a lot of resources, which damages nature. Cities need materials for building and energy for power. This leads to activities like cutting down trees and digging for minerals, which destroy animal and plant habitats. In some places, whole forests are being cut down to get wood and make space for farms to feed growing cities.
To help solve this problem, governments could make stricter rules about where cities can grow. They could create protected areas around cities where building is not allowed. This would help keep some natural spaces for animals and plants. Some cities have already done this by making “green belts” around them.
Another solution is to make cities more environmentally friendly. This could include using renewable energy like solar power, building in ways that use less space, and having more parks and green areas in cities. Cities could also encourage people to use public transport more to reduce the need for new roads.
In conclusion, while cities are growing and causing problems for nature, there are ways to make things better. By having better plans for how cities grow and making them more eco-friendly, we can help protect the homes of animals and plants.
(Word count: 309)
Band 5-6 Essay
Cities are getting bigger, and this is bad for animals and plants because their homes are being destroyed. I will talk about why this happens and some ways to fix it.
One reason this happens is because more people are moving to cities. When more people come, the city needs to build more houses and roads. This means they have to use land where animals and plants live. For example, in my country, I see new buildings being made where there used to be trees.
Another reason is that cities need a lot of things from nature. They need wood for buildings and fuel for energy. This means they cut down trees and dig up the ground, which hurts the places where animals live. In some countries, big forests are being cut down to make things for cities.
To help fix this, the government could make rules about where cities can grow. They could say some areas must be left alone for nature. Some cities have done this by making green areas around them where no one can build.
Another way to help is to make cities better for the environment. This could mean using things like solar power, building tall buildings instead of spreading out, and having more parks in the city. Cities could also try to get people to use buses and trains more so they don’t need to build as many roads.
To finish, even though cities growing is causing problems for nature, there are ways to make it better. If we plan cities better and make them more friendly to the environment, we can help save the homes of animals and plants.
(Word count: 269)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent coherence and cohesion, with a clear structure and logical progression of ideas. It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms like “biodiversity,” “urban sprawl,” and “ecological corridors.” The essay shows flexible use of complex sentence structures and provides well-developed ideas with relevant examples. It fully addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay addresses all parts of the task, although some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others. It presents relevant main ideas but some may not be fully extended. The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms and has adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are some errors in grammar and vocabulary, but they do not impede communication. The essay is generally well-organized with clear overall progression.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay addresses the task in a general way but may be repetitive in places. It presents some main ideas but these are limited and not well-developed. The essay uses mainly simple sentences and has a limited range of vocabulary. There are frequent errors in grammar and vocabulary, but the meaning is generally clear. The organization is visible but not always logical, and there may be a lack of overall progression.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
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Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/: The process of making an area more urban.
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Habitat loss (noun phrase) /ˈhæbɪtæt lɒs/: The destruction of natural environments where plants and animals live.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Urban sprawl (noun phrase) /ˈɜːbən sprɔːl/: The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas.
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Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
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Green belt (noun phrase) /ɡriːn belt/: An area of open land around a city where building is restricted.
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Ecological corridor (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈkɒrɪdɔː/: A strip of habitat connecting wildlife populations separated by human activities.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Conclusion
The impact of urbanization on biodiversity is a crucial topic that IELTS candidates should be prepared to discuss. By understanding the causes of habitat loss and potential solutions, you can construct well-informed and coherent essays. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic, paying attention to structure, vocabulary, and the development of ideas.
For further practice, you might consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of urban planning in preserving green spaces within cities.
- The importance of wildlife corridors in urban development.
- Balancing economic growth with environmental conservation in developing countries.
We encourage you to write your own essay on the topic provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.