Welcome to this IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice Question on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.
IELTS Writing Task 2 (Problem and solution)#
The loss of biodiversity and degradation of ecosystems is a growing global concern. What do you think are the main causes of this problem, and what measures can be taken to address it?
Discuss the primary factors contributing to this problem and suggest potential solutions to mitigate its effects.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample answer outline#
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the issue of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation
- Paragraph 2: You need to discuss main causes (e.g., habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species)
- Paragraph 3: You should propose solutions (e.g., protected areas, sustainable practices, education, international cooperation, policy changes)
- Conclusion: Summarize the main points and emphasize the importance of action
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 272 words.
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Across the world, plant and animal species are disappearing at an alarming rate, and many ecosystems are being damaged beyond repair. This essay will examine the main causes of this trend and suggest measures that could slow or reverse it.
The most significant cause of biodiversity loss is the destruction of natural habitats. Forests are cleared for farmland, wetlands are drained for housing, and roads divide previously connected landscapes, leaving species with nowhere to live or breed. A second major factor is climate change, which is shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns faster than many organisms can adapt; coral reefs, for example, are bleaching as oceans warm. Finally, pollution and overexploitation, such as pesticide use, plastic waste and overfishing, put further pressure on already vulnerable populations.
Several measures could address these problems. First, governments should expand protected areas and enforce laws against illegal logging and poaching, while restoring degraded land through reforestation. Second, farming practices need to change: reducing chemical use, leaving hedgerows and wildflower margins, and rewarding farmers financially for protecting habitats would allow agriculture and nature to coexist. Third, cutting greenhouse gas emissions is essential, since climate change threatens even well-protected ecosystems. On an individual level, people can support these efforts by choosing sustainably produced food and reducing waste.
International cooperation is also vital, because migratory species and ocean ecosystems cross national borders. Agreements that set shared targets and provide funding for poorer, biodiversity-rich countries can make conservation more effective.
In conclusion, biodiversity loss is driven mainly by habitat destruction, climate change and pollution, but a combination of stronger protection, sustainable farming and global cooperation can reduce the damage.
Task Response
Answers both parts of the question (causes and solutions) fully, with solutions that match the causes identified.
Coherence & Cohesion
Ordered with “The most significant cause…”, “A second major factor”, “First / Second / Third”, making the argument easy to follow.
Lexical Resource
Accurate environmental vocabulary: habitat destruction, overexploitation, reforestation, coexist, migratory species.
Grammatical Range
Varied grammar: passive voice (“are being damaged”), gerund subjects (“cutting greenhouse gas emissions is essential”) and relative clauses.
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Evaluation criteria#
For more practice tests, you can also visit Art in Education and Urban Development.