IELTS Writing Discussion Essay Model Answer 08 – Topic: Plant & Animal Species

IELTS Writing Task 2

Human activities have negative effects on plant and animal species. Some people think it is too late to do anything about this problem. Others believe that effective measures can be taken to improve this situation. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer

Industrialization (the process country makes its industries more modern) and deforestation (the cutting down of trees in a large area) carried out (=done) by humans have destroyed the biodiversity (a variety of different types of plant and animal life). Some exotic species of wild animals and plants are diminishing(= declining) or disappearing. Many ecosystems (all the living things and the way they affect each other and the environment) are disturbed. All these are a threat to human survival as well. Some think that the damage cannot be undone while others believe that some measures could be taken to improve the present situation. I firmly believe that the situation could be improved. In the following paragraphs, I shall examine both sides and also explain how things can be ameliorated.

History cites many examples of extinct species. According to a survey, 3 to 5 billion passenger pigeons or wild pigeons were in the US before European settlement. But just after this, due to habitat loss and demand for pigeon meat, these birds became extinct in the early 20th century. Acalypha dikuluwensis (high tropical flowering plant of the genus Acalypha), a plant species native to Congo, became extinct due to copper extraction activities in the area. The freshwater crayfish (a creature like a small lobster), which lost its habitat due to water being drained by local farmers, became extinct. The Bermuda hawk became extinct due to hunting. Some people think that we have lost these exotic species and will never see them again.

On the other hand, it is true that we can still work towards preserving the environment. Firstly, governments should impose strict rules on deforestation, illegal felling (cutting down) of trees, and ban hunting. Proper water governance must be in place to preserve the freshwaters and marine ecosystems. Eco-friendly agricultural practices must be followed, which lay emphasis on the conservation of the variety of species. There have been successful examples of preserving animals that were on the verge of ( likely to happen or begin very soon) extinction. The ‘Bengal Tiger’ is a classic example.

To summarise, human activities have indeed damaged the animal and plant species. But we can still work towards preserving the rest of the species.

STRUCTURE OF IELTS DISCUSSION ESSAY

Introduction:

Question Paraphrased – Industrialisation and deforestation carried out by humans have destroyed the biodiversity. Some exotic species of wild animals and plants are diminishing, declining or disappearing. Many ecosystems are disturbed. All these are a threat to human survival as well. Some think that the damage cannot be undone while others believe that some measures could be taken to improve the present situation.

Opinion – I firmly believe that the situation could be improved

A thesis statement – In the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall examine both sides and also explain how things can be ameliorated.

Body Paragraph 1:

Topic: Human activities that led to extinction of species

Supporting points:

• Urbanisation and selling pigeon meat
• Copper extraction activities
• Draining freshwater resources
• Hunting

Body Paragraph 2:

Topic: Preventive measures that can be taken for conservation

Supporting points:

• Stopping deforestation
• Banning hunting activities
• Strict laws against illegal felling of trees
• Proper water governance
• Eco friendly agricultural practices

Conclusion

Reiterating that situation could be improved and supported the side taken in introduction.