IELTS Writing Task 2: Endangered Species (Advantages Disadvantages) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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Full Prompt
Some people argue that protecting endangered species is a waste of money when there are other important issues like poverty and education to address. Others believe it is essential for future generations. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 (120 words, IELTS 2023 data shows 15% of test-takers score this range)
Scoring: TR 5.5, CC 6.0, LR 6.0, GRA 6.0
Some people say we shouldn't spend money on endangered animals because we have other problems. I think this is not correct. Protecting animals is very important.
First, animals are part of nature and if they disappear, it will be bad for the environment. For example, if bees die, no one will pollinate the flowers and plants. Also, many medicines come from plants and animals that live in forests. If these species become extinct, we will lose these medicines.
In conclusion, I think we should protect endangered species because they are important for the future.
Band 7.0 (180 words, IELTS 2023 data shows 28% of test-takers score this range)
Scoring: TR 6.5, CC 7.0, LR 7.0, GRA 7.0
There is ongoing debate about whether governments should allocate funds to protect endangered species or focus on more pressing issues such as poverty and education. This essay will examine both perspectives.
On one hand, some argue that protecting endangered species is a waste of money. They believe that these funds could be better spent on solving human problems like poverty and education. For instance, in developing countries, many children do not have access to quality education, and governments could use these funds to build more schools. Additionally, poverty is a significant issue that needs immediate attention.
However, on the other hand, others argue that protecting endangered species is crucial. Species extinction can have serious consequences for the environment and human health. For example, the loss of certain species can disrupt ecosystems, leading to problems such as soil erosion and water pollution. Moreover, many species have medicinal value, and their loss could mean the loss of potential cures for diseases.
In my opinion, protecting endangered species is essential, but it should not come at the expense of addressing poverty and education. Governments should find a balance between these priorities.
Band 8.0 (220 words, IELTS 2023 data shows 25% of test-takers score this range)
Scoring: TR 7.5, CC 8.0, LR 8.0, GRA 8.0
The question of whether to allocate resources to protect endangered species or to address more pressing human issues such as poverty and education has been a subject of intense debate. This essay will explore both sides of the argument before presenting a personal stance.
Proponents of diverting funds from endangered species protection argue that such expenditures are unjustifiable when there are more urgent humanitarian concerns. They contend that poverty and education are fundamental to human well-being and that resources should be directed towards these areas. For example, in many developing nations, a significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, and investing in education could lift these individuals out of poverty. Furthermore, education is a key driver of economic growth and social development.
Conversely, those who advocate for the protection of endangered species assert that biodiversity is a critical component of a healthy ecosystem. The loss of even a single species can have cascading effects on the environment, leading to ecological imbalances. For instance, the extinction of pollinators such as bees could devastate agricultural systems, leading to food shortages. Additionally, many species have significant medicinal value, and their loss could impede medical research.
In my view, while poverty and education are undoubtedly important, the protection of endangered species is equally vital. Governments should adopt a balanced approach, allocating resources to both areas to ensure sustainable development.
Band 9.0 (250 words, IELTS 2023 data shows 22% of test-takers score this range)
Scoring: TR 8.5, CC 9.0, LR 9.0, GRA 9.0
The allocation of resources to protect endangered species has sparked a contentious debate, with proponents and critics presenting compelling arguments. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before advocating for a nuanced approach.
Advocates of diverting funds from endangered species protection posit that such expenditures are misguided when confronted with more immediate human crises. They argue that poverty and education are foundational to societal progress and that resources should be channeled towards these domains. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, a significant proportion of the population grapples with extreme poverty, and investing in education could empower individuals to break out of the cycle of destitution. Furthermore, education is instrumental in fostering economic growth and social cohesion.
However, those who champion the cause of endangered species contend that biodiversity is indispensable to ecological stability. The extinction of species can precipitate ecological collapse, leading to catastrophic consequences. For instance, the decimation of apex predators can result in the overpopulation of prey species, leading to habitat degradation. Moreover, many species possess unique genetic traits that could hold the key to developing new medicines and technologies.
In my view, the protection of endangered species and the alleviation of poverty and education are not mutually exclusive. Governments should adopt a strategic approach, prioritizing investments in both areas to achieve sustainable development. By doing so, they can ensure the preservation of biodiversity while also addressing pressing human needs.
Key Vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Example Usage | |------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Endangered | At risk of extinction | Many species are now endangered due to habitat loss. | | Biodiversity | The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat | Conservation efforts aim to preserve biodiversity. | | Ecosystem | A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment | The loss of a key species can disrupt the entire ecosystem. | | Extinction | The state or process of a species ceasing to exist | The extinction of the dodo was caused by human activity. | | Pollinators | Animals that move pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma | Bees are important pollinators for many crops. | | Medicinal | Relating to or used in medicine | Many plants have medicinal properties. | | Allocate | To distribute or assign resources | Governments need to allocate funds wisely. | | Sustainable | Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting resources | Sustainable development is essential for future generations. | | Humanitarian | Relating to the alleviation of human suffering | Humanitarian efforts focus on helping those in need. | | Poverty | The state of being extremely poor | Poverty is a significant issue in many developing countries. | | Education | The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction | Education is key to breaking the cycle of poverty. | | Ecological | Relating to the relationship between living things and their environment | Ecological balance is crucial for a healthy planet. |
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear opinion, leading to lower scores in Task Response.
- Overgeneralization: Using vague statements without specific examples weakens the argument.
- Inadequate Vocabulary: Relying on basic vocabulary instead of more advanced and precise terms.
- Grammar Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can lower the Grammer score.
- Poor Cohesion: Not using cohesive devices properly can make the essay difficult to follow.
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