Wildlife habitat protection has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually in recent years. This environmental topic is particularly relevant given the global focus on conservation and biodiversity preservation, making it likely to appear in future tests. Let’s examine one common question type that has appeared in recent IELTS examinations.
Protect endangered species from extinction: steps?
Question Analysis
Some people say that the best way to protect endangered animals is to keep them in zoos rather than in their natural habitats. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
This question requires candidates to present their viewpoint on wildlife conservation methods, specifically comparing zoo conservation with natural habitat preservation. It’s an agree/disagree essay that needs a clear position and well-supported arguments.
Wildlife conservation comparing natural habitat preservation with zoo environments
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
should animal habitats be protected from development
I strongly disagree with the notion that zoos are the optimal solution for protecting endangered species. While zoos play a role in conservation, maintaining animals in their natural habitats is crucial for their survival and overall ecosystem health.
Natural habitats provide irreplaceable benefits that artificial environments cannot replicate. First, animals in their native environments can maintain their natural behaviors, social structures, and hunting or foraging skills. These behaviors are essential for species survival and cannot be fully developed in captivity. Furthermore, preserving natural habitats benefits not just individual species but entire ecosystems, including countless interdependent plants and animals.
The limitations of zoo environments significantly impact animal welfare. Despite best efforts, zoos cannot recreate the complex environmental conditions that wildlife needs. Confined spaces restrict natural movement patterns, while artificial feeding schedules and human presence alter natural behaviors. Research has shown that many zoo animals exhibit stress-related behaviors and reduced breeding success compared to their wild counterparts.
However, zoos do serve important complementary functions in wildlife conservation. They provide crucial research opportunities, emergency shelter for critically endangered species, and valuable educational experiences for the public. Nevertheless, these benefits should support, not replace, natural habitat conservation efforts.
In conclusion, while zoos have their place in conservation strategies, they should not be considered the primary solution for protecting endangered species. The focus should remain on preserving and restoring natural habitats, with zoos serving as supplementary support systems in the broader conservation framework.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
I disagree with keeping endangered animals in zoos instead of their natural habitats. There are several important reasons for this opinion.
Firstly, animals need their natural environment to live properly. In nature, they can find their own food and live with other animals of their species. They also have more space to move around and exercise. Zoos are too small and artificial for many animals.
Secondly, protecting natural habitats helps not just one type of animal but many different species. When we save a forest or ocean area, we protect all the animals and plants living there. This is better than just saving a few animals in zoos.
However, zoos can be helpful sometimes. They can protect animals that are almost extinct and help them breed. Zoos also teach people about animals and why we need to protect them.
In conclusion, I think the best way to protect endangered animals is to keep them in their natural habitats. While zoos can help, they should not be the main solution for saving endangered species.
Key Vocabulary
- Ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – variety of life in a particular habitat
- Conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – protection of natural environment
- Interdependent (adj) /ˌɪntədɪˈpendənt/ – mutually dependent
- Endemic (adj) /enˈdemɪk/ – native to a particular area
Advanced Sentence Structures
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“Despite best efforts, zoos cannot recreate the complex environmental conditions that wildlife needs.”
- Similar usage: “Despite technological advances, artificial habitats cannot match natural ecosystems.”
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“While zoos play a role in conservation, maintaining animals in their natural habitats is crucial for their survival.”
- Similar usage: “While economic development is important, protecting wildlife habitats remains essential.”
importance of wildlife conservation programs
Examiner’s Analysis
The Band 8.5 essay demonstrates:
- Clear position and sophisticated argument development
- Excellent use of cohesive devices
- Advanced vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-balanced discussion with nuanced conclusions
The Band 6.5 essay shows:
- Basic but clear argument structure
- Simple but accurate language use
- Limited range of complex structures
- Adequate development of ideas
For practice, write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback. Focus on developing clear arguments and using appropriate academic vocabulary.
