IELTS Writing Task 2: Endangered Species (Agree Disagree) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Paraphrased Prompt: Some people believe that governments should spend money on protecting endangered species, while others argue that this money could be better spent elsewhere. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

There are different opinions about whether governments should spend money on protecting endangered species. Some people think it is important, while others believe the money could be used for other things.

On one hand, protecting endangered species is crucial. Many animals are important for the environment. For example, bees help plants grow, and without them, we would have less food. Also, some animals are unique and should be saved for future generations. If we do not protect them, they might disappear forever.

On the other hand, some people argue that money could be used for other important things. For instance, governments could spend money on education or healthcare. Many children do not have good schools, and some people do not have access to good hospitals. Spending money on these things could help more people.

In my opinion, governments should spend money on both protecting endangered species and improving education and healthcare. Both are important, and we should find a balance.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a clear position but lacks depth in argumentation.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The issue of whether governments should allocate funds to protect endangered species has sparked considerable debate. While some advocate for conservation efforts, others contend that resources could be better utilized elsewhere.

Proponents of conservation argue that protecting endangered species is essential for maintaining ecological balance. For instance, predators play a crucial role in controlling populations of other animals, thereby preventing overpopulation and habitat destruction. Additionally, many endangered species possess unique genetic traits that could be beneficial for medical research. For example, certain plants and animals have been used to develop life-saving drugs. Furthermore, the loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on ecosystems, ultimately impacting human livelihoods.

Conversely, opponents of conservation efforts argue that the funds could be better spent on addressing more immediate human needs. In many developing countries, resources are scarce, and governments must prioritize basic services such as healthcare and education. For example, investing in education can lead to long-term economic growth and poverty reduction. Moreover, some argue that the benefits of protecting endangered species are often intangible and do not directly improve the quality of life for the majority of the population.

In my view, while it is important to address immediate human needs, governments should also allocate resources to protect endangered species. Conservation efforts can be integrated into broader economic and social development strategies, ensuring that both human and environmental needs are met.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant arguments and examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The question of whether governments should invest in the protection of endangered species has become a contentious issue. While some advocate for robust conservation measures, others argue that such expenditures are misplaced.

Those in favor of conservation efforts contend that protecting endangered species is not only an ethical imperative but also a pragmatic necessity. Ecologically, many endangered species play pivotal roles in maintaining the balance of their respective ecosystems. For example, the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park has led to a resurgence in biodiversity, demonstrating the interconnectedness of species. Economically, ecotourism centered around endangered species can generate significant revenue. For instance, the conservation of the giant panda in China has not only saved the species from extinction but also boosted the local economy through tourism.

Conversely, critics of conservation efforts argue that the funds could be more effectively utilized to address pressing human needs. In many regions, inadequate healthcare and education systems hinder social and economic development. For example, investing in education can lead to a more skilled workforce, which in turn can drive economic growth. Moreover, some argue that the benefits of protecting endangered species are often delayed and uncertain, making it difficult to justify the immediate allocation of resources.

In my opinion, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should prioritize immediate human needs while also investing in long-term conservation efforts. This can be achieved through strategic planning and international cooperation, ensuring that both human and environmental needs are met.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and a clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with occasional errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

The debate surrounding the allocation of government funds to protect endangered species has gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for substantial conservation efforts, others contend that such expenditures are misguided.

Proponents of conservation efforts argue that protecting endangered species is essential for maintaining ecological equilibrium. Ecologically, many endangered species serve as keystone species, playing crucial roles in their ecosystems. For example, the sea otter is a keystone species in the kelp forest ecosystem, as it preys on sea urchins, which in turn helps maintain the health of the kelp forest. Economically, the conservation of endangered species can generate substantial revenue through ecotourism. For instance, the conservation of the African elephant has not only saved the species from extinction but also boosted the local economy through tourism.

Conversely, critics of conservation efforts argue that the funds could be more effectively utilized to address pressing human needs. In many developing countries, inadequate healthcare and education systems hinder social and economic development. For example, investing in education can lead to a more skilled workforce, which in turn can drive economic growth. Moreover, some argue that the benefits of protecting endangered species are often delayed and uncertain, making it difficult to justify the immediate allocation of resources.

In my view, a balanced approach is necessary. Governments should prioritize immediate human needs while also investing in long-term conservation efforts. This can be achieved through strategic planning and international cooperation, ensuring that both human and environmental needs are met. By doing so, we can create a sustainable future that benefits both humanity and the natural world.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with well-developed arguments and relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear transitions and a clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with minimal errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Allocate (verb): to distribute something for a particular purpose.

• Example: Governments should allocate funds to protect endangered species.

1. Conservation (noun): the protection and preservation of wildlife and natural resources.

• Example: Conservation efforts are essential for maintaining ecological balance.

1. Ecological (adjective): relating to the relationship between living things and their environment.

• Example: Many endangered species play crucial ecological roles.

1. Ecotourism (noun): tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts.

• Example: Ecotourism can generate significant revenue for conservation efforts.

1. Keystone species (noun): a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

• Example: The sea otter is a keystone species in the kelp forest ecosystem.

1. Maintaining (verb): to keep in an existing state; preserve or protect.

• Example: Protecting endangered species is essential for maintaining ecological balance.

1. Pragmatic (adjective): dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

• Example: Protecting endangered species is not only an ethical imperative but also a pragmatic necessity.

1. Reintroduction (noun): the act of introducing a species back into an ecosystem where it has been previously extirpated.

• Example: The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park has led to a resurgence in biodiversity.

1. Robust (adjective): strong and healthy; vigorous.

• Example: Some advocate for robust conservation measures to protect endangered species.

1. Strategic (adjective): relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.

• Example: A strategic approach is necessary to balance human needs and conservation efforts.

1. Sustainable (adjective): able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: Conservation efforts should aim to create a sustainable future.

1. Traction (noun): the degree of influence or effectiveness.

• Example: The debate surrounding the allocation of funds to protect endangered species has gained significant traction.

1. Utilized (verb): to take advantage of something.

• Example: Critics argue that funds could be more effectively utilized to address pressing human needs.

1. Interconnectedness (noun): the state of being interconnected or interdependent.

• Example: The reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park demonstrates the interconnectedness of species.

1. Intangible (adjective): not capable of being perceived by the senses; not physical.

• Example: Some argue that the benefits of protecting endangered species are often intangible.

1. Immediate (adjective): occurring or done without delay; instant.

• Example: Governments should prioritize immediate human needs while also investing in long-term conservation efforts.

1. Allocation (noun): the action or process of distributing something for a particular purpose.

• Example: The immediate allocation of resources is often difficult to justify.

1. Economic growth (noun): an increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.

• Example: Investing in education can lead to economic growth.

1. Ethical (adjective): relating to moral principles or the science of morals.

• Example: Protecting endangered species is not only a pragmatic necessity but also an ethical imperative.

1. Biodiversity (noun): the variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

• Example: The loss of biodiversity can have cascading effects on ecosystems.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Some students fail to present a clear position on the issue, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Weak Arguments: Students often present weak or irrelevant arguments, which can negatively impact the overall coherence and cohesion of the essay.
3. Poor Vocabulary Choices: Using simple or repetitive vocabulary can limit the lexical resource score. Students should aim to use a range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score. Students should proofread their essays to minimize errors.
5. Lack of Examples: Failing to provide relevant examples can weaken the argument and reduce the overall score. Students should include specific examples to support their arguments.

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