IELTS Writing Task 2: Endangered Species - Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
> Some people believe that protecting endangered species is a waste of money. They argue that resources should be spent on human needs instead. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This is a classic IELTS Writing Task 2 opinion essay prompt. You must take a clear position and support it with reasons and examples. The prompt tests your ability to present a balanced argument while maintaining a consistent viewpoint.
Model Answers with Scoring Breakdowns
Band 6.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development. Ideas are simplistic and underdeveloped. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but frequently disrupts flow with unnatural transitions. Lexical Resource (LR): 5.0 - Vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Some errors in word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors that hinder communication.
While protecting endangered species is important, I think we should focus more on human needs. Many people are poor and don't have enough food or clean water. Governments should spend money on hospitals and schools instead of animals. For example, in some countries, there are not enough doctors, but they spend money on protecting rare animals. This is not fair. Animals are important, but humans are more important. Also, some endangered species might become extinct even if we protect them. So, it is better to spend money on things that can help people live better lives. In conclusion, I agree that protecting endangered species is not as important as solving human problems.
Band 7.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development. Extends and supports ideas, though some points are not fully developed. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some overuse and occasional awkward transitions. Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary. Some errors in word choice and collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly.
I strongly believe that protecting endangered species is crucial, despite what some people think. These species are part of our natural heritage and play important roles in ecosystems. For instance, predators help control populations of other animals, and some plants are used in medicine. Spending money on conservation can also create jobs and support local economies. However, I understand that human needs are important. Governments should balance these priorities. One way to do this is by investing in sustainable development, which can protect both humans and wildlife. For example, reforestation projects can provide jobs while also helping endangered animals. In conclusion, I disagree with the idea that protecting endangered species is a waste of money. We need to find ways to support both human needs and conservation efforts.
Band 8.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development. Extends and supports ideas with relevant examples and explanations. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with mostly natural transitions. Maintains a clear progression of ideas. Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with mostly appropriate and precise word choices. Some minor errors in collocation. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Makes occasional grammatical errors but generally communicates clearly with varied sentence structures.
While some argue that protecting endangered species is a waste of money, I firmly believe that conservation efforts are vital for both ecological and economic reasons. Endangered species contribute to biodiversity, which is essential for healthy ecosystems. For example, bees are crucial pollinators for many crops, and their decline could lead to food shortages. Furthermore, protecting wildlife can boost ecotourism, creating jobs and supporting local communities. However, I acknowledge that human needs must also be addressed. Governments should prioritize sustainable development, such as investing in renewable energy and efficient agriculture. This approach can reduce environmental damage while improving living standards. In conclusion, I strongly disagree with the notion that protecting endangered species is unnecessary. Instead, we should strive to balance conservation with human development.
Band 9.0 Answer
Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear, informed, and supported position. Extends arguments with insightful examples and explanations. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices skillfully with natural transitions. Maintains a clear progression of ideas throughout. Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of sophisticated vocabulary with precise word choices and appropriate collocations. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately and effectively.
Protecting endangered species is not a waste of money but a critical investment in our planet's future. These species are indicators of ecosystem health, and their loss can trigger ecological collapse. For instance, the extinction of apex predators can lead to overpopulation of herbivores, disrupting entire food webs. Moreover, many endangered species have significant cultural and economic value. Ecotourism, for example, generates billions of dollars annually while promoting conservation. While it is true that human needs must be prioritized, this does not necessitate neglecting wildlife conservation. Integrated approaches, such as sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, can address both human development and environmental protection. Governments should allocate resources strategically, fostering partnerships between conservation organizations and local communities. In conclusion, I strongly disagree with the notion that protecting endangered species is frivolous. Instead, it is a moral imperative and a practical necessity for ensuring a sustainable future.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Biodiversity (noun) - The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat. Example: Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Conservation (noun) - The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of wildlife and natural resources. Example: Conservation efforts are vital for protecting endangered species.
- Ecotourism (noun) - Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people. Example: Ecotourism can generate significant revenue while promoting conservation.
- Ecosystem (noun) - A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Example: Endangered species play important roles in maintaining ecosystem balance.
- Extinction (noun) - The process by which a species or taxon dies out, either globally or in a particular area. Example: The extinction of a keystone species can have devastating effects on the environment.
- Habitat (noun) - The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Example: Deforestation destroys the habitats of many endangered species.
- Keystone species (noun) - A species that has a disproportionately large impact on its environment relative to its abundance. Example: Predators like wolves are often keystone species that maintain ecosystem balance.
- Pollinator (noun) - An animal that moves pollen from the male anthers of a flower to the female stigma of a flower to make seeds or fruit. Example: Bees are essential pollinators for many crops.
- Sustainable (adjective) - Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources. Example: Sustainable agriculture can reduce environmental damage while improving food security.
- Vital (adjective) - Absolutely necessary; essential. Example: Conservation efforts are vital for protecting endangered species.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position - Some students fail to take a clear stance on the issue, leading to a vague and unfocused response.
- Weak Arguments - Students often provide simplistic or poorly developed arguments, lacking depth and supporting details.
- Poor Vocabulary - Over-reliance on basic vocabulary and repetitive word choices can lower the lexical resource score.
- Grammatical Errors - Frequent grammatical mistakes, such as subject-verb agreement errors and incorrect article usage, can hinder communication and reduce the GRA score.
- Inadequate Cohesion - Poor use of cohesive devices and awkward transitions can disrupt the flow of ideas, affecting the CC score.
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