IELTS Writing Task 2: Wildlife Conservation (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers
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The Prompt
Some people believe that wildlife conservation efforts are a waste of money, while others argue they are essential. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Model Answers
Band 6.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response: 5.0
- Coherence and Cohesion: 6.0
- Lexical Resource: 6.0
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.0
Why this Band?
- Presents both views but lacks depth in development.
- Uses some linking words but coherence is sometimes unclear.
- Makes attempts at varied vocabulary but has some errors in word choice.
- Uses simple sentence structures with some errors in complex sentences.
The Answer
Some people think that wildlife conservation is not important and wastes money. Others believe that it is very important. I think that both views have some truth.
On one hand, wildlife conservation can cost a lot of money. For example, building special areas for animals can be expensive. Also, sometimes the money could be used for other important things like education or hospitals. Some people think that wildlife will survive without help, so we should not worry about them.
On the other hand, wildlife conservation is important because many animals are in danger. If we do not protect them, they might disappear forever. This is bad because animals are important for nature. Also, some animals can help us, like bees that help plants grow. If we protect animals, we can enjoy them in the future.
In my opinion, we should try to protect wildlife, but we should also be careful with money. Maybe we can find ways to protect animals that do not cost too much.
Band 7.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response: 7.0
- Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0
- Lexical Resource: 7.0
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7.0
Why this Band?
- Presents both views clearly but could develop arguments further.
- Uses linking words effectively but some paragraphs lack clear progression.
- Uses a mix of vocabulary but some word choice is still basic.
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but some errors remain.
The Answer
There is an ongoing debate regarding the necessity of wildlife conservation efforts. While some people argue that these initiatives are a waste of money, others contend that they are crucial for the environment. I believe that both perspectives have merit, but conservation efforts are ultimately more beneficial.
Those who oppose wildlife conservation often cite the financial burden it places on governments and organizations. They contend that the money spent on protecting endangered species could be better allocated to other pressing needs, such as healthcare or education. Furthermore, some argue that nature will find its own balance without human intervention, making conservation efforts redundant.
Conversely, proponents of wildlife conservation emphasize the ecological and economic benefits. Protecting biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems, which in turn supports agriculture, forestry, and tourism. For instance, coral reefs, which are home to a quarter of all marine species, generate billions of dollars in tourism revenue annually. Additionally, many medicinal breakthroughs have been derived from natural compounds found in wild plants and animals.
In conclusion, while the cost of wildlife conservation is significant, the long-term benefits far outweigh the expenses. Governments and organizations should continue to invest in these efforts to preserve the planet's rich biodiversity for future generations.
Band 8.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response: 8.0
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.0
- Lexical Resource: 8.0
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8.0
Why this Band?
- Presents both views thoroughly with clear position and development.
- Uses a wide range of linking words and cohesive devices effectively.
- Uses a varied and precise vocabulary with only minor errors.
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with flexibility and accuracy.
The Answer
The value of wildlife conservation has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it is an exorbitant expenditure, while advocates assert its indispensable role in maintaining ecological equilibrium. I firmly believe that the benefits of conservation far outweigh the costs.
Opponents of wildlife conservation posit that the financial resources allocated to these endeavors could be more productively utilized in other sectors. They contend that the funds could address pressing humanitarian issues, such as poverty alleviation or healthcare improvement. Additionally, some skeptics argue that natural selection will eventually cull weak species, rendering conservation efforts futile. They also point out that some conservation projects have failed, wasting significant resources.
However, the ecological and economic advantages of wildlife conservation are substantial. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, as it enhances the ability of ecosystems to withstand and recover from disturbances. For example, forests with high biodiversity are more resistant to pests and diseases. Moreover, many industries, such as agriculture and tourism, depend on healthy ecosystems. The loss of a single species can have cascading effects, disrupting entire food chains and ecosystems.
In my view, the preservation of wildlife is not merely an ethical imperative but also a pragmatic necessity. Governments should prioritize conservation efforts, not only to protect endangered species but also to ensure the sustainability of ecosystems that support human life. While the costs are high, the long-term benefits for both the environment and the economy are invaluable.
Band 9.0 Answer
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response: 9.0
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9.0
- Lexical Resource: 9.0
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9.0
Why this Band?
- Presents both views thoroughly with clear position and development.
- Uses a wide range of linking words and cohesive devices effectively.
- Uses a varied and precise vocabulary with only minor errors.
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with flexibility and accuracy.
The Answer
The debate surrounding wildlife conservation often pits economic pragmatists against environmentalists, with the former decrying it as a profligate use of resources and the latter extolling its ecological imperatives. I contend that the preservation of biodiversity is not only an ethical obligation but also a strategic investment in our planet's future.
Critics of wildlife conservation argue that the financial outlay is unjustifiable, particularly in the face of more pressing global issues such as hunger and disease. They posit that the funds earmarked for conservation could be redirected to alleviate immediate human suffering. Furthermore, they contend that market-driven solutions, such as sustainable tourism and eco-certification, could achieve conservation goals without the need for heavy-handed government intervention.
Conversely, proponents of wildlife conservation underscore the intrinsic value of biodiversity and its indispensable role in maintaining ecosystem services. The loss of a single species can trigger a domino effect, destabilizing entire ecosystems. For instance, the decline of bees, which pollinate approximately three-quarters of the world's flowering plants, could have catastrophic consequences for global agriculture. Additionally, many pharmaceutical breakthroughs have been derived from natural compounds found in wild species, underscoring the economic value of biodiversity.
In my view, the preservation of wildlife is a non-negotiable imperative. Governments should enact robust conservation policies, combining protected areas with sustainable land-use practices. International cooperation is also crucial, as biodiversity knows no borders. While the costs are substantial, the benefits—ranging from ecological stability to economic opportunities—are incalculable. In the words of the renowned conservationist David Attenborough, 'We have a responsibility, every one of us... to protect our planet, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.'
Vocabulary Highlights
- Biodiversity (noun): The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Example: The Amazon rainforest is renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
- Ecological equilibrium (noun phrase): A state of balance or stability in an ecosystem.
- Example: Wildlife conservation helps maintain ecological equilibrium.
- Exorbitant expenditure (noun phrase): An extremely high cost or expense.
- Example: Opponents argue that wildlife conservation involves exorbitant expenditure.
- Indispensable (adjective): Absolutely necessary or essential.
- Example: Biodiversity is indispensable for ecosystem resilience.
- Profligate (adjective): Wasteful or extravagant, especially with money.
- Example: Critics decry wildlife conservation as a profligate use of resources.
- Pragmatists (noun): People who are practical and focused on results rather than principles.
- Example: Economic pragmatists often oppose wildlife conservation efforts.
- Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
- Example: Sustainable tourism can achieve conservation goals.
- Trigger (verb): To cause something to happen suddenly or unexpectedly.
- Example: The loss of a single species can trigger a domino effect.
- Underpin (verb): To support or sustain an idea, institution, or system.
- Example: Biodiversity underpins ecosystem services.
- Non-negotiable (adjective): Not able or willing to be changed or questioned.
- Example: The preservation of wildlife is a non-negotiable imperative.
- Robust (adjective): Strong and firm in construction; sturdy.
- Example: Governments should enact robust conservation policies.
- Enact (verb): To make (a bill or other proposal) law.
- Example: The government will enact new conservation policies next year.
- Earmark (verb): To reserve or allocate for a particular purpose.
- Example: The funds are earmarked for wildlife conservation efforts.
- Redirected (verb): To change the direction or focus of something.
- Example: The funds could be redirected to alleviate immediate human suffering.
- Underscore (verb): To emphasize or give extra importance to something.
- Example: Proponents underscore the intrinsic value of biodiversity.
- Incalculable (adjective): Impossible to calculate or measure.
- Example: The benefits of wildlife conservation are incalculable.
- Imperative (noun): A necessary action or course of action.
- Example: The preservation of wildlife is an ethical imperative.
- Strategic investment (noun phrase): An investment made with a long-term plan or goal in mind.
- Example: Wildlife conservation is a strategic investment in our planet's future.
- Cascading effects (noun phrase): A sequence of events in which one event sets off a chain reaction.
- Example: The loss of a single species can have cascading effects.
- Derived from (verb phrase): Obtained or produced from something.
- Example: Many pharmaceutical breakthroughs have been derived from natural compounds.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students present both views but fail to clearly state their opinion. Always include a clear thesis statement and refer back to it in your conclusion.
- Weak Examples: Using vague or generic examples weakens your argument. Use specific, real-world examples to support your points.
- Overuse of Simple Vocabulary: To achieve higher bands, use a range of vocabulary. Avoid repeating the same words and phrases.
- Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Ensure your paragraphs are logically connected. Use a variety of linking words and cohesive devices to guide the reader through your argument.
- Grammatical Errors: Complex sentences should be used accurately. Common errors include subject-verb agreement, article usage, and tense consistency.
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