IELTS Writing Task 2: Deforestation — Band 6.5 Sample Answer
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The Prompt
Paraphrased Prompt: Many people believe that deforestation is a serious environmental issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Others claim that the economic benefits of cutting down trees outweigh the environmental concerns. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The original prompt is copyright Cambridge Assessment English.
Band 6.5 Model Answer
Sample Answer:
The cutting down of forests is a pressing environmental problem that has sparked intense debate. While some argue that immediate action is necessary, others believe that economic gains from deforestation are more important. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my opinion.
On one hand, deforestation has severe environmental consequences. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, and their destruction contributes to global warming. Additionally, forests are home to many species, and their loss can lead to extinction. For example, the orangutan population has declined significantly due to habitat loss in Borneo. Moreover, deforestation can disrupt water cycles, leading to droughts and affecting agriculture.
On the other hand, deforestation can bring economic benefits. Clearing forests creates space for agriculture, which can feed growing populations. In Brazil, for instance, soy farms have replaced large areas of the Amazon rainforest, contributing significantly to the country's economy. Furthermore, the timber industry provides jobs and revenue for many communities. In Indonesia, the palm oil industry, which relies on deforested land, is a major employer.
In my opinion, the environmental impacts of deforestation outweigh the economic benefits. The long-term consequences of losing forests are severe and irreversible. While economic gains are important, they should not come at the expense of the environment. Governments should invest in sustainable practices, such as reforestation and selective logging, to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
Scoring Breakdown:
- Task Response: Band 6.5
- Presents a clear position throughout the response.
- Presents, extends, and supports main trends, arguments, or ideas, but some ideas are not fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6
- Uses cohesive devices, but there may be some under- or over-use.
- The information is logically organized but may not always use referencing clearly or appropriately.
- Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
- Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision.
- Makes some errors in word choice, spelling, and/or word formation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms.
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Pressing (adjective): urgent or demanding immediate attention.
- Example: The government must address the pressing issue of climate change.
- Sparked (verb): to give rise to; to cause.
- Example: The new law sparked a wave of protests.
- Consequences (noun): results or effects of an action or situation.
- Example: The consequences of deforestation are severe and far-reaching.
- Disrupt (verb): to disturb or interfere with the normal operation of something.
- Example: The storm disrupted the power supply for several days.
- Significantly (adverb): in a significant or noticeable way.
- Example: The new policy has significantly improved the quality of education.
- Outweigh (verb): to be more important or have more value than something else.
- Example: The benefits of the new technology outweigh the costs.
- Sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: Sustainable practices are essential for the future of our planet.
- Reforestation (noun): the process of replanting trees in an area where they have been cut down.
- Example: Reforestation efforts have helped to restore the ecosystem.
- Selective logging (noun): the practice of cutting down only certain trees in a forest to minimize environmental impact.
- Example: Selective logging can help preserve biodiversity.
- Balance (verb): to consider different factors and make a judgment based on their relative importance.
- Example: The government needs to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear opinion in their essay, making it difficult to score well on Task Response.
- Weak Vocabulary: Using basic vocabulary can limit the lexical score. Students should aim to use a range of vocabulary, including some less common words and phrases.
- Poor Cohesion: Overusing certain cohesive devices or not using them appropriately can affect the Coherence and Cohesion score.
- Grammar Errors: Making frequent grammatical errors can lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should proofread their essays for grammar and punctuation errors.
- Insufficient Support: Not providing enough support for arguments can weaken the overall response. Students should aim to provide specific examples and evidence to support their points.
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