IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1280 - The main environmental problem of our time
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: the loss of particular plants and animals is the main concern]
There is no doubt that environmental issues are becoming more pressing and that we need to take action to address them. Some people believe that the loss of particular species of plants and animals is the most important environmental problem of our time. Others argue that there are more pressing concerns. In my opinion, the loss of species is indeed a critical issue, and one that we must prioritize if we are to preserve our planet's biodiversity.
On the one hand, those who argue that the loss of species is not the most important environmental problem might point to issues such as climate change or pollution. They might argue that these are more pressing concerns because they have a more immediate impact on human beings. For example, pollution can lead to health problems, and climate change can result in natural disasters that threaten human lives. However, while these issues are undoubtedly important, they are also interconnected with the loss of species. For instance, climate changes can lead to habitat loss, which can in turn lead to the extinction of particular species.
On the contrary, those who opine that the loss of species is the most important environmental issue express that it has far-reaching consequences that are not always immediately apparent. Biodiversity plays an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the loss of a single species can have a ripple effect throughout an entire ecosystem. For example, the extinction of bees can have serious consequences for agriculture, as bees play a vital role in pollinating crops. The loss of particular species can also have implications for human health, as many drugs and treatments are derived from natural sources.
In conclusion, while there are certainly other pressing environmental concerns, I believe that the loss of specific species is a critical issue that we must prioritize if we are to preserve our planet's biodiversity. The loss of species has far-reaching implications for human well-being and the health of ecosystems, and we must take action to address it before it is too late.
Model Answer 2: [View: there are more important environmental problems]
Some individuals argue that the primary environmental concern today is the extinction of certain plant and animal species. Others, however, believe that broader environmental issues, such as climate change and pollution, pose even greater threats. This essay will discuss both perspectives and argue that while the loss of biodiversity is undoubtedly alarming, other environmental problems have more severe and widespread consequences.
On the one hand, the extinction of plant and animal species is a significant issue that disrupts ecosystems. Every species plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, and the disappearance of even a single species can have cascading effects on food chains and natural habitats. For example, the decline in bee populations due to habitat destruction and pesticide use threatens global agriculture, as bees are vital pollinators for many crops.
On the other hand, larger environmental problems, such as climate change and pollution, have far-reaching effects on the planet and human society. Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas emissions, leads to extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and desertification, affecting millions of people worldwide. For instance, increasing temperatures are causing glaciers to melt, threatening coastal cities with flooding. Furthermore, pollution, particularly plastic waste and air contamination, directly harms human health and wildlife. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive accumulation of plastic debris in the ocean, endangers marine life, while air pollution in urban areas has been linked to respiratory diseases and premature deaths. These issues, in my view, are more urgent because they not only threaten biodiversity but also impact human survival and economic stability.
In conclusion, while the extinction of species is a serious concern, other environmental problems, such as climate change and pollution, pose a more immediate and widespread threat. Addressing these larger issues can also help protect biodiversity, making them a more pressing priority for global efforts.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
Some people say that the main environmental problem of our time is the loss of particular species of plants and animals. Others say that there are more important environmental problems.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Essay Type:
Discussion Essay.
Main Question of This Essay:
Is the loss of plant and animal species the biggest environmental problem, or are there more significant environmental issues?
Reasons why the loss of species is the most critical environmental issue:
1. Disruption of ecosystems:
Every species plays a role in maintaining ecological balance, and losing one can have a domino effect. When predators or prey go extinct, food chains are disturbed, leading to unforeseen consequences in nature. For example, the decline of wolves in certain areas has led to an overpopulation of deer, which in turn damages forests due to excessive grazing.
2. Threat to human survival:
The extinction of plant and animal species directly impacts human life, particularly in agriculture and medicine. Many plants have medicinal properties, and losing them could hinder medical advancements. For example, the Madagascar periwinkle, a plant used in chemotherapy drugs, could have been lost without conservation efforts.
3. Biodiversity loss reduces resilience to climate change:
A diverse ecosystem is more capable of adapting to environmental changes. If key species disappear, entire ecosystems become vulnerable to climate shifts and natural disasters. For example, the destruction of coral reefs due to species loss affects marine life, tourism, and local economies.
4. Negative impact on food production:
Many species contribute to global food production through pollination and soil fertility. The loss of these species threatens food security. For example, the declining bee population due to habitat destruction and pesticide use endangers crop production worldwide.
5. Ethical responsibility:
Many believe humans have a moral obligation to protect all living beings. Unchecked species extinction caused by deforestation, poaching, and pollution is seen as an irresponsible act. For example, conservationists argue that protecting endangered animals like tigers and elephants is crucial for future generations.
Reasons why other environmental problems are more urgent:
1. Climate change affects the entire planet:
Rising global temperatures cause extreme weather patterns, melting ice caps, and desertification, endangering both humans and wildlife. For example, coastal cities like Jakarta and Miami face increasing risks of flooding due to rising sea levels.
2. Pollution has immediate and long-term health effects:
Air, water, and soil pollution lead to severe health problems such as respiratory diseases, cancer, and contaminated food supplies. For example, air pollution in cities like Delhi and Beijing has resulted in higher rates of lung disease and premature deaths.
3. Deforestation leads to multiple crises:
Cutting down forests not only contributes to climate change but also destroys natural habitats, leading to biodiversity loss and reduced oxygen levels. For example, the Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth," is being cleared at alarming rates, reducing carbon absorption and worsening climate change.
4. Plastic waste is a growing environmental catastrophe:
Non-biodegradable plastic is accumulating in oceans, harming marine life and entering the human food chain through seafood consumption. For example, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch contains millions of tons of plastic waste, endangering marine species like turtles and fish.
5. Water scarcity is a critical issue:
Many regions face severe water shortages due to mismanagement, pollution, and overuse, directly affecting human populations. For example, Cape Town, South Africa, came dangerously close to running out of water in 2018, forcing authorities to impose strict water restrictions.
Sample Answer 3: [View: the loss of biodiversity might not be the central environmental problem]
The issue of environmental problems has become a pressing concern in modern times. While some argue that the loss of some particular species of plants and animals is the main environmental problem, others contend that there are more critical issues that demand immediate attention and action. This essay will discuss both perspectives and present arguments for why the loss of biodiversity might not be the central environmental problem of our time.
Those who are against this notion say that the primary environmental problem lies in the presence of other pressing issues, such as climate change and pollution. The consequences of global warming, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems, affect all living beings, not just specific plant or animal species. For example, the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities and deforestation has led to a rise in global temperatures, resulting in the melting of polar ice caps and threatening the survival of numerous species. Additionally, air and water pollution from various sources have detrimental effects on entire ecosystems, endangering the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
On the contrary, those who think that the loss of certain animals and plants is the main environmental crisis in modern times argue that the process can disrupt the ecological balance, leading to negative cascading effects on the entire ecosystem. Coral reefs, often referred to as the "rainforests of the sea," are home to an incredible diversity of marine life. The decline of certain coral species due to factors like ocean warming and acidification not only affects the corals themselves but also endangers the countless species that rely on these ecosystems for food and shelter. Thus, it starts a chain reaction that puts the whole world in danger.
In conclusion, although the loss of particular species of plants and animals is an important environmental concern, it is crucial to recognise that there are other pressing issues, such as climate change and pollution, that demand urgent attention. By addressing environmental challenges effectively, we can ensure a sustainable and healthy planet for all living creatures.
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