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.
Sample Response
Environmental problemsThe issue of environmental problems has become a pressing concern in modern times. While some argue that the loss of particular speciessome 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 reasons whyarguments for why the loss of biodiversity might not be the central environmental problem of our time.
Those who hold the latter viewThose who are against this notion say that the primary environmental problem stems fromlies 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, greenhouse gas emissionsthe emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities and deforestation havehas 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.
By contrastOn the contrary, those who think that the loss of certain animals and plants is the main environmental crisis in modern times argue that species loss can disruptthe process can disrupt the ecological balance, leading to cascading effectsnegative 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 such as ocean warmingfactors 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. Consequently, this decline startsThus, 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.
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response presents a clear, well-supported position and develops both perspectives with relevant explanations and examples, while maintaining strong control of organisation and language. Its main limitation is that some reasoning, particularly the coral-reef example, overlaps with the opposing climate-change argument and slightly blurs the distinction between the two views. Sharpening that contrast and explaining more explicitly why broader problems should take priority would make the argument more incisive.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are fully addressed through relevant, well-developed reasoning, and the writer's position remains clear throughout.
Make the distinction between biodiversity loss and broader environmental threats more explicit when developing the examples.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically across well-focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices used clearly and unobtrusively.
Strengthen the transition into the biodiversity paragraph by stating the precise contrast before presenting its example.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied, precise, and appropriately sophisticated, with only occasional slightly general phrasing.
Replace broad expressions such as "puts the whole world in danger" with a more exact description of the environmental consequences.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex structures is used accurately, and errors are rare and do not impede meaning.
Refine occasional vague grammatical references, such as "the process," by naming the specific process directly.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.