IELTS Writing Task 2: Deforestation - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Prompt: Some people believe that deforestation is necessary for economic development, while others argue that it causes irreversible environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

Deforestation is a big problem. Some people say we need to cut down trees for money. They say it helps the economy. But others say it is bad for the environment. I think cutting trees is bad.

First, cutting trees gives money. People can sell wood and make things. This helps businesses. Also, it gives jobs to people. So, it is good for the economy.

But, cutting trees is bad for nature. Trees give oxygen. They also stop soil from washing away. If we cut too many trees, animals will lose their homes. Also, the air will be bad. So, we should not cut too many trees.

In my opinion, we should not cut too many trees. We can find other ways to make money. We should protect the environment. Trees are important for life.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0 - Ideas are logically ordered but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource: 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with errors and limited range.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0 - Uses simple sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The issue of deforestation has sparked considerable debate. On one hand, some argue that it is essential for economic growth, while others contend that it inflicts irreparable harm on the environment. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my stance.

Proponents of deforestation assert that it brings economic benefits. For instance, the timber industry generates significant revenue and provides employment opportunities. Additionally, cleared land can be used for agriculture or urban development, further stimulating economic growth. These economic advantages are undeniably compelling.

However, the environmental consequences of deforestation are alarming. Trees play a crucial role in producing oxygen and preventing soil erosion. Moreover, they serve as habitats for numerous species. Deforestation can lead to biodiversity loss and exacerbate climate change. These environmental impacts are severe and potentially irreversible.

In my view, the environmental costs of deforestation outweigh the economic benefits. While economic development is important, it should not come at the expense of the planet's health. Sustainable practices, such as reforestation and selective logging, should be prioritized to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource: 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The contentious issue of deforestation has garnered global attention due to its profound implications for both economic development and environmental sustainability. This essay will delve into the arguments for and against deforestation before presenting a personal perspective.

Advocates of deforestation highlight its economic advantages. The timber industry is a lucrative sector that contributes significantly to GDP and employment. Furthermore, deforestation paves the way for agricultural expansion and urbanization, which are vital for economic growth. These economic benefits are substantial and cannot be overlooked.

Conversely, the environmental repercussions of deforestation are grave. Trees are integral to the ecosystem, providing oxygen, regulating climate, and preventing soil erosion. Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. These environmental consequences are severe and pose a threat to the planet's future.

In my opinion, the environmental costs of deforestation far outweigh the economic benefits. While economic development is crucial, it should be pursued in a sustainable manner. Implementing stricter regulations, promoting reforestation, and investing in renewable resources are essential steps towards mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: 8.0 - Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items used effectively.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally accurate.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding deforestation has intensified in recent years, with proponents advocating for its economic benefits and critics highlighting its environmental repercussions. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before presenting a personal stance.

Proponents of deforestation argue that it is a catalyst for economic growth. The timber industry is a multi-billion-dollar sector that generates substantial revenue and employment opportunities. Moreover, deforestation facilitates agricultural expansion and urban development, which are pivotal for economic progress. These economic advantages are undeniable and have propelled many nations towards prosperity.

However, the environmental ramifications of deforestation are alarming. Trees are indispensable to the ecosystem, playing a pivotal role in oxygen production, climate regulation, and soil conservation. Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions. These environmental consequences are catastrophic and pose an existential threat to the planet.

In my view, the environmental costs of deforestation far outweigh the economic benefits. While economic development is imperative, it should be pursued in a sustainable manner. Implementing stringent regulations, promoting reforestation, and investing in renewable resources are crucial steps towards mitigating the adverse effects of deforestation. By adopting a balanced approach, we can achieve economic growth without compromising the health of our planet.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development, relevant examples, and a balanced discussion.
• Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource: 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with less common lexical items used effectively and naturally.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with minimal errors and a high degree of accuracy.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious: Causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The contentious issue of deforestation has sparked considerable debate.

1. Garnered: Gathered or collected.

• Example: The issue of deforestation has garnered global attention.

1. Implications: The consequences of an action or decision.

• Example: The profound implications for both economic development and environmental sustainability.

1. Lucrative: Producing a great deal of profit.

• Example: The timber industry is a lucrative sector.

1. Paves the way: Makes something possible or easier.

• Example: Deforestation paves the way for agricultural expansion.

1. Integral: Necessary for making a whole complete; essential or fundamental.

• Example: Trees are integral to the ecosystem.

1. Regulating: Controlling or directing something according to rule or principle or law.

• Example: Trees are integral to the ecosystem, providing oxygen, regulating climate.

1. Exacerbate: Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.

• Example: Deforestation can lead to biodiversity loss and exacerbate climate change.

1. Stimulating: Encouraging development or growth.

• Example: These economic advantages are undeniably stimulating.

1. Mitigating: Making less severe, serious, or painful.

• Example: Implementing stricter regulations to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation.

1. Indispensable: Absolutely necessary.

• Example: Trees are indispensable to the ecosystem.

1. Pivotal: Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.

• Example: Agricultural expansion and urban development, which are pivotal for economic progress.

1. Catastrophic: Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering.

• Example: These environmental consequences are catastrophic.

1. Existential: Relating to existence.

• Example: These environmental consequences are catastrophic and pose an existential threat.

1. Imperative: Of vital importance; crucial.

• Example: While economic development is imperative, it should be pursued in a sustainable manner.

1. Stringent: Strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Implementing stringent regulations to mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation.

1. Adopting: Choosing to take up or follow a course of action.

• Example: By adopting a balanced approach, we can achieve economic growth.

1. Prosperity: The state of being prosperous.

• Example: These economic advantages are undeniable and have propelled many nations towards prosperity.

1. Biodiversity: The variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

• Example: Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss.

1. Greenhouse gas emissions: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

• Example: Deforestation leads to habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower Task Response score.

1. Inadequate Development: Some students present a position but do not develop it sufficiently with relevant examples and arguments.

1. Poor Organization: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower Coherence and Cohesion score.

1. Limited Vocabulary: Many students use a limited range of vocabulary, which affects their Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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