IELTS Writing Task 2: The importance of preserving wildlife – Sample Essays Band 6-9 with Analysis

Introduction

The importance of preserving wildlife appears frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2 because it blends ethics, economics, and environmental science—three domains exam writers love. You will often be asked whether protecting animals is worth public money, how conservation links to human welfare, or whether modern life has left no space for wild species. In this guide, you will learn how to handle this topic like a high-scoring candidate: three complete sample essays (Band 5-6, 6.5-7, and 8-9), scoring analysis using official band descriptors, topic vocabulary, and advanced sentence structures you can copy.

Verified past exam questions (reported by trusted IELTS sources: IELTS Liz, IELTS-Blog, British Council/IDP materials) include:

• Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• Many animal species are becoming extinct. Some people believe countries and individuals should protect these animals; others argue we should focus on human problems instead. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
• Some people think more money should be spent on protecting endangered species, while others believe it is a waste of valuable resources. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

For readers who want a focused background on habitat protection before writing, you can review a concise explainer here: To understand why habitats are central to this debate, see The importance of protecting wildlife habitats.

IELTS Task 2 preserving wildlife topic with sample essays and tips

1. Question & Analysis

Wild animals have no place in the 21st century, so protecting them is a waste of resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

• Question type: Opinion (agree/disagree). You must present a clear position and sustain it throughout.
• Requirements: State your stance in the introduction; develop at least two strong reasons; use relevant examples; address both parts implicitly (“no place” and “waste of resources”).
• Key terms:
  • “no place in the 21st century”: suggests wildlife is irrelevant to modern life.
  • “waste of resources”: implies conservation funding brings poor returns.
• Common pitfalls:
  • Only arguing morally without mentioning economic/ecological benefits.
  • Listing species facts without linking back to the argument.
  • Lack of a clear thesis or concluding with a different opinion.
• Strategic approach:
  • Plan a two-pronged case: practical benefits (ecosystem services, food security, medicine, tourism) + ethical/cultural value.
  • Anticipate counter-arguments (costs, human priorities) and rebut briefly.
  • Use precise topic vocabulary (biodiversity, keystone species, ecosystem services) and strong logical connectors.

Organized argument map of wildlife preservation essay structure

2. Band 8-9 Sample Essay

Band 8-9 essays present a clear position, sophisticated development, precise vocabulary, and flexible grammar with very rare slips.

It is mistaken to claim that wild animals have no place in the twenty-first century; on the contrary, preserving wildlife underpins human prosperity and moral responsibility. This essay argues that conservation is not a luxury but a prerequisite for resilient economies and healthy societies.

First, biodiversity is economic infrastructure. Pollinators, soil biota, and predators provide ecosystem services—from crop fertilisation to pest control—that no technology can fully replicate at scale. For example, when wild bee populations collapse, farmers must rent hives or increase pesticides, raising costs and harming health. Similarly, intact mangroves and wetlands buffer coastlines, reducing flood damage that would otherwise demand expensive engineered defences. Far from wasting money, conservation is preventive investment that avoids far greater future expenses.

Second, wildlife preserves scientific options. Many medicines originate in natural compounds—ACE inhibitors from Brazilian viper venom, or antibiotics from soil microbes—illustrating how losing species narrows the pipeline of lifesaving therapies. Protecting habitats keeps these possibilities open, a form of “option value” economists recognise but policymakers often overlook. In tourism-dependent regions, charismatic fauna also sustain livelihoods; Tanzania’s and Nepal’s success stories show that safeguarding species and supporting communities can be mutually reinforcing.

Admittedly, budgets are finite and human needs acute. However, framing conservation as opposed to poverty reduction is a false dichotomy. Well-designed programmes pay local people for stewardship, integrate sustainable agriculture, and align incentives so that nature thrives alongside development.

In sum, wild animals emphatically do have a place today: they stabilise climate and food systems, expand scientific frontiers, and enrich culture. Protecting them is not a drain on resources; it is an investment in shared security.

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	9	Clear position throughout; addresses both “no place” and “waste of resources”; rich, relevant development with concrete examples.
Coherence & Cohesion	9	Logical progression; effective paragraphing; precise cohesive devices used naturally without overuse.
Lexical Resource	9	Wide range (ecosystem services, option value, buffer coastlines); accurate collocations; topic-specific terms used precisely.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	8	Flexible complex structures and nominalisations; minor risk-taking; essentially error-free.

Why it excels:

• Definite thesis stated and reiterated.
• Two-pronged argument (economic + scientific/ethical) sustains depth.
• Specific, believable examples (pollinators, mangroves, medicines).
• Balanced counter-argument with integration solution.
• High-level vocabulary used naturally.
• Strong topic sentences guide the reader.
• Concise, authoritative conclusion that mirrors the question.

For readers exploring biodiversity outcomes, this discussion connects closely to the measurable benefits outlined in impact of wildlife conservation on biodiversity.

3. Band 6.5-7 Sample Essay

Band 6.5-7 essays are generally clear, explain ideas with some support, and show a good range of vocabulary and structures, though not as refined.

I disagree with the view that wild animals do not belong in modern society and that protecting them wastes money. While governments face many urgent tasks, wildlife protection brings practical and social benefits that we would lose if we stop investing.

One reason is agriculture. Bees and other insects pollinate fruits and vegetables, and when their numbers fall, farmers pay more and use more chemicals. This not only raises food prices but also creates health and environmental problems later. Another example is coastal protection: when mangroves and coral reefs are damaged, storms and floods do worse harm, and the cost of rebuilding is higher than the cost of prevention.

There are also medical and educational benefits. Many drugs have been discovered from animals and plants, so keeping species alive may help future research. Wildlife also supports tourism, which is a major income source in some Asian countries. With careful planning, parks and reserves can create jobs for local people, so conservation and development can work together instead of competing.

It is true that some conservation projects are poorly managed or focus on famous species only. However, this is an argument for better design, not for giving up. If governments set clear goals and involve local communities, the money is more likely to be spent effectively.

In conclusion, wildlife still has a place in the 21st century. Protecting it is not a waste but a smart investment in food security, disaster prevention, science, and jobs.

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	7	Clear position and relevant ideas; some examples; minor generalisation but sufficient depth.
Coherence & Cohesion	7	Logical flow with clear paragraphing; connectors adequate though occasionally formulaic.
Lexical Resource	7	Good range (pollinate, prevention, reserves); a few common collocations; mostly accurate.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	6.5	Mix of complex and simple sentences; minor errors and repetition; generally clear.

Direct comparison with Band 8-9:

• Thesis: Band 9 uses a forceful, nuanced thesis; Band 7 is clear but less nuanced.
• Evidence: Band 9 provides multi-layered economic reasoning (“option value”); Band 7 offers straightforward examples without economic terminology.
• Counter-argument: Band 9 reframes a “false dichotomy”; Band 7 acknowledges mismanagement but offers simpler remedies.
• Vocabulary: Band 9 uses precise academic lexis (“preventive investment”); Band 7 uses correct but more general words (“smart investment”).
• Cohesion: Band 9 integrates linking naturally; Band 7 sometimes signals with basic connectors (“However,” “In conclusion”).

For learners who want policy-oriented angles and concrete project types, you may find parallels in importance of wildlife conservation programs.

Annotated Band 7 wildlife essay with highlights of strengths

4. Band 5-6 Sample Essay

Band 5-6 essays present a position but with limited development, noticeable grammar issues, and repetitive linking.

Some people say wild animals are useless today and spending money on them is waste. I am disagree with this because animals and nature help people in many ways. Firstly, bees do pollination and if they disappear, farmers will cannot grow enough food. This show we need to protect them. Also, in coastal areas, mangrove trees stop floods, so it reduce the damage cost.

Another point is medicine. Many important drugs come from animals or plants. If species is gone, scientists cannot finds new cures in the future. Tourism also need wildlife because visitors like to see animals in the wild. This means local people can get jobs like guides and homestay, and this make the community earn money.

On the other hand, I understand some projects spend too much moneys or protect only famous animals. But governments can check the budget and plan better, so the money use more good. Another solution is educate people to not hunt or destroy forest.

In conclusion, animals still have place in this century and we must protect them. It is not waste of money because they give us food, medicine and jobs and protect us from disaster.

Band Score Analysis

Criteria	Band	Justification
Task Response	6	Clear opinion with basic reasons; some repetition; limited depth in analysis.
Coherence & Cohesion	6	Basic organisation; overuse of simple connectors; some awkward progression.
Lexical Resource	5.5	Limited range; occasional inappropriate word forms; some repetition.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy	5	Frequent subject-verb agreement and tense errors; simple sentences dominate.

Error analysis and corrections

Mistake	Correction	Why
I am disagree	I disagree	“Disagree” is a verb; no “am”.
farmers will cannot	farmers will not be able to	Correct future ability form.
This show	This shows	Subject-verb agreement.
it reduce	it reduces	Third person singular “s”.
species is gone	species are gone	“Species” is plural.
cannot finds	cannot find	Bare infinitive after modal.
make the community	makes the community	Subject-verb agreement.
spend too much moneys	spend too much money	“Money” is uncountable.
use more good	be used more effectively	Correct adjective/adverb and passive form.

How to improve from Band 6 to 7

• Upgrade verbs and collocations: replace “make money” with “generate income,” “plan better” with “implement transparent budgeting.”
• Extend example depth: add brief data context or mechanism (e.g., how mangroves reduce wave energy).
• Vary sentence structures: add non-defining relative clauses and participle phrases.
• Reduce repetition: paraphrase “protect animals” with “conserve species,” “safeguard habitats,” “maintain biodiversity.”
• Proofread for agreement and modal verb errors.

For corridor-focused arguments and landscape connectivity examples you can adapt into your essays, see a concise overview in importance of wildlife corridors for biodiversity.

5. Essential Vocabulary

Word/Phrase	Type	Pronunciation	Definition	Example	Collocations
biodiversity	n.	/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.dɪˈvɜːr.sɪ.ti/	Variety of life in a habitat or ecosystem	Biodiversity supports stable food webs.	biodiversity loss, rich biodiversity
ecosystem services	n. pl.	/ˈiːkoʊˌsɪstəm ˈsɝːvɪsɪz/	Benefits humans obtain from ecosystems	Pollination is a key ecosystem service.	regulate services, provide services
keystone species	n.	/ˈkiːstoʊn ˈspiːʃiːz/	Species with disproportionate ecosystem impact	Removing a keystone species disrupts balance.	keystone predator, keystone role
habitat fragmentation	n.	/ˈhæbɪtæt ˌfræɡmənˈteɪʃn/	Breaking habitats into smaller pieces	Roads cause habitat fragmentation.	severe fragmentation, mitigate fragmentation
conservation funding	n.	/ˌkɑːnsərˈveɪʃn ˈfʌndɪŋ/	Money for protecting nature	Conservation funding should be transparent.	allocate funding, sustainable funding
preventive investment	n.	/prɪˈvɛntɪv ɪnˈvɛstmənt/	Spending now to avoid future costs	Wetland restoration is preventive investment.	make investment, sound investment
option value	n.	/ˈɑːpʃn ˈvæljuː/	Value of preserving future choices	Biodiversity has high option value.	economic value, long-term value
cost–benefit analysis	n.	/ˌkɔːst ˈbɛnɪfɪt əˈnæləsɪs/	Comparing costs and benefits	A cost–benefit analysis supports mangrove protection.	conduct analysis, rigorous analysis
align incentives	v. phr.	/əˈlaɪn ɪnˈsɛntɪvz/	Make motivations support a goal	Paying rangers aligns incentives with protection.	align with, incentives for
mitigate risk	v. phr.	/ˈmɪtɪˌɡeɪt rɪsk/	Reduce danger	Corridors mitigate extinction risk.	effectively mitigate, risk mitigation
moreover	linker	/mɔːrˈoʊvər/	Adds a supporting point	Moreover, conservation creates jobs.	—
nonetheless	linker	/ˌnʌnðəˈlɛs/	Contrasts while maintaining stance	Nonetheless, budgets are finite.	—
safeguard	v./n.	/ˈseɪfɡɑːrd/	Protect from harm	Policies safeguard endangered species.	safeguard habitats, legal safeguards
sustainable livelihoods	n.	/səˈsteɪnəbl ˈlaɪvlihʊdz/	Long-term, stable income sources	Ecotourism supports sustainable livelihoods.	create livelihoods, support livelihoods
ethical imperative	n.	/ˈeθɪkl ɪmˈpɛrətɪv/	Moral obligation	Protecting species is an ethical imperative.	strong imperative, moral imperative

6. High-Scoring Sentence Structures

1. Complex subordination

• Formula: Although/While + clause, main clause
• Example (from Band 8-9): Although budgets are finite, framing conservation as opposed to poverty reduction is a false dichotomy.
• Why it scores well: Balances concession and argument; shows control of complex ideas.
• Additional examples:
  • While conservation can be costly, its long-term savings are substantial.
  • Although some projects fail, transparent oversight improves outcomes.
• Common mistakes: Missing comma; using “despite” followed by a clause.

2. Non-defining relative clauses

• Formula: Noun, which/whose + clause, main clause
• Example: Mangroves, which buffer coastlines, reduce flood-related losses.
• Why: Adds precise, non-essential information smoothly.
• Additional examples:
  • Bees, which are vital pollinators, sustain agricultural yields.
  • Tourism, which depends on intact habitats, creates local jobs.
• Mistakes: Forgetting commas; using “that” in non-defining clauses.

3. Participle phrases

• Formula: -ing/-ed phrase, main clause
• Example: Protecting habitats keeps options open, preserving a pipeline of future medicines.
• Why: Compresses information; increases fluency.
• Additional examples:
  • Investing early, governments avoid higher recovery costs.
  • Degraded over decades, reefs require urgent action.
• Mistakes: Dangling modifiers not referring to the subject.

4. Cleft sentences

• Formula: It + be + focus + that/who + clause
• Example: It is preventive investment that makes conservation cost-effective.
• Why: Emphasises key idea for rhetorical effect.
• Additional examples:
  • It is habitat loss that drives most extinctions.
  • It is local stewardship that ensures long-term success.
• Mistakes: Overuse; mismatching tense or number.

5. Advanced conditionals

• Formula: If + were to/should + base verb, would/could + base verb
• Example: If policymakers were to ignore ecosystem services, they would invite higher future costs.
• Why: Shows hypothetical reasoning about policy choices.
• Additional examples:
  • If conservation funds were targeted, outcomes could improve quickly.
  • Should bee populations decline further, food prices would rise.
• Mistakes: Using “would” in the if-clause.

6. Inversion for emphasis

• Formula: Not only + auxiliary + subject + verb, but also + clause
• Example: Not only do intact wetlands protect cities, but they also enhance fisheries.
• Why: Stylish emphasis; advanced control of word order.
• Additional examples:
  • Rarely has biodiversity faced such pressure.
  • Only by aligning incentives can programmes endure.
• Mistakes: Forgetting auxiliary; incorrect subject-verb order.

7. Self-Assessment Checklist

Before writing

• Analyse the question type and underline key terms.
• Decide your position and list 2-3 core reasons.
• Plan examples relevant to your context (e.g., pollinators in Asia, mangroves).

While writing

• State a clear thesis in the introduction.
• Use topic sentences that directly answer the question.
• Support each point with a mechanism or example; avoid general claims.

After writing

• Check cohesion: Do paragraphs flow logically?
• Replace repeated words with precise synonyms.
• Proofread for agreement, articles, and punctuation.

Time management

• 3-5 minutes planning; 25-28 minutes writing; 2-4 minutes editing.
• If stuck, write a simple sentence first, then refine.
• Keep the conclusion brief and aligned with your thesis.

To deepen your understanding of linked habitats and species survival, a focused explainer is available here: Readers interested in landscape-level approaches may explore the importance of wildlife corridors for biodiversity.

Vocabulary and collocations for wildlife essays in IELTS

Conclusion

The importance of preserving wildlife is a high-frequency IELTS Task 2 theme because it connects economics, science, and ethics. To score well, take a clear position, structure your argument around tangible benefits (ecosystem services, medicine, disaster mitigation, livelihoods), anticipate counter-arguments, and use precise vocabulary and flexible grammar. With weekly practice on similar prompts, realistic improvement from Band 6 to 7 often takes 6–10 weeks, and moving from 7 to 8 can take longer as you refine lexical precision and argument depth.

Your next steps: write a response to today’s question, time yourself, and compare your draft with the Band 7 and Band 9 samples above. Then edit using the checklist and upgrade 5 sentences with the structures provided. For background reading that informs examples and ideas, you might find this concise primer helpful: Those who want habitat-first evidence can review The importance of protecting wildlife habitats, while policy-minded readers may value the overview of impact of wildlife conservation on biodiversity and the program-focused guide on importance of wildlife conservation programs. Finally, for climate-linked examples you can cite, see how climate change affects wildlife habitats. Practice, refine, and share your essay for feedback.