You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS writing task 2.
Human activities have negative effects on plant and animal species. Some people think it is too late to do anything about this problem. Others believe that effective measures can be taken to improve this situation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
Industrialization and deforestation carried out by humans have destroyed biodiversity. Some exotic species of wild animals and plants are diminishing, declining, or disappearing. Many ecosystems are disturbed. All these are a threat to human survival as well. Some think that the damage cannot be undone while others believe that some measures could be taken to improve the present situation. I firmly believe that the situation could be improved. In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall examine both sides and also explain how things can be ameliorated.
History cites many examples of extinct species. According to a survey, 3 to 5 billion passenger pigeons or wild pigeons were in the US before European settlement. But just after this, due to habitat loss and demand for pigeon meat, these birds became extinct in the early 20th century.
Acalypha dikuluwensis, a plant species native to Congo, became extinct due to copper extraction activities in the area. The freshwater crayfish, which lost its habitat due to water being drained by local farmers, became extinct. The Bermuda hawk became extinct due to hunting.
Some people think that we have lost these exotic species and will never see them again.
On the other hand, it is true that we can still work towards preserving the environment. Firstly, governments should impose strict rules against deforestation, illegal felling of trees, and ban hunting. Proper water governance must be in place to preserve the freshwaters and marine ecosystems. Eco-friendly agricultural practices must be followed, which lay emphasis on the conservation of a variety of species. There have been successful examples of preserving animals that were on the verge of extinction. The ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a classic example.
To summarise, human activities have indeed damaged the animal and plant species. But we can still work towards preserving the rest of the species.
Structure of the essay
You were given a discussion essay for which you had to give an opinion. Choose a side. State your opinion on it.
Introduction:
Question Paraphrased – Industrialisation and deforestation carried out by humans have destroyed biodiversity. Some exotic species of wild animals and plants are diminishing, declining, or disappearing. Many ecosystems are disturbed. All these are a threat to human survival as well. Some think that the damage cannot be undone while others believe that some measures could be taken to improve the present situation.
Opinion – I firmly believe that the situation could be improved
A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall examine both sides and also explain how things can be ameliorated.
Body Paragraph 1: Human activities that led to the extinction of species
Supporting points:
- Urbanization and selling pigeon meat
- Copper extraction activities
- Draining freshwater resources
- Hunting
Body Paragraph 2: Preventive measures that can be taken for conservation
Supporting points:
- Stopping deforestation
- Banning hunting activities
- Strict laws against illegal felling of trees
- Proper water governance
- Eco-friendly agricultural practices
Conclusion:
Reiterating that situation could be improved and supported the side taken in the introduction.