IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1710741016
Task 2 Writing Topic: The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
Question Structure: Do you think that plastic pollution has a significant impact on marine ecosystems? Explain your viewpoint with specific examples and support it with appropriate evidence.
Model Answer:
In recent years, the world has become increasingly concerned about the alarming rate of plastic pollution in our oceans and its devastating effects on marine ecosystems. This issue is undoubtedly a significant one as plastics are non-biodegradable, persistent, and can have serious consequences for both marine life and human health. In this essay, I will discuss the impacts of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems by examining the ingestion and entanglement of marine species, microplastic contamination in waterways, and the effects on human consumption of seafood.
Firstly, plastic waste poses a significant threat to marine life through ingestion and entanglement. Marine animals, such as seabirds, turtles, and fish, often mistake plastic debris for food or become tangled in discarded fishing nets, causing injury, illness, and death. For example, studies have shown that over
90% of albatross chicks on Midway Atoll have been found to have ingested plastic material. This not only leads to the starvation of these birds but also disrupts the delicate balance of marine ecosystems as apex predators and scavengers are affected.
Secondly, microplastics, which are small plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have been found in waterways across the globe. These tiny particles can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, from plankton to large fish, causing damage to their digestive systems and potentially altering the food chain. A study conducted by the University of Queensland revealed that microplastics have been discovered in over 100 species of marine animals, highlighting the ubiquity of this issue. Additionally, research suggests that these microplastics can act as carriers for pollutants and toxins, which may be transferred up the food chain and pose a risk to human health when consuming seafood.
Lastly, plastic pollution also has an indirect impact on humans through the consumption of contaminated seafood. As marine animals ingest plastics and their associated pollutants, these toxins can bioaccumulate in the food chain and ultimately end up on our plates. For instance, a study conducted by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) found that eating shellfish with high levels of microplastic contamination could result in humans ingesting tens of thousands of plastic particles per year. This raises concerns about the potential long-term health effects of consuming seafood contaminated with plastics and their associated pollutants.
In conclusion, it is evident that plastic pollution has a significant impact on marine ecosystems, affecting both marine life and human health. The ingestion and entanglement of marine species, the spread of microplastics in waterways, and the contamination of seafood are all consequences of this growing environmental crisis. As such, it is crucial that governments, industries, and individuals work together to reduce plastic usage, implement sustainable practices, and raise awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution on our oceans and their inhabitants.
Scoring:
Task Response: 5 - The candidate has provided a comprehensive response, fully addressing all aspects of the task and demonstrating an excellent understanding of the question. The essay is coherent, well-structured, and supported by appropriate evidence, examples, and explanations.
Coherence and Cohesion: 5 - The essay flows logically from one point to another, with clear signposting of main ideas. Transitions between sentences and paragraphs are effective, ensuring that the writing is coherent and well-structured.
Lexical Resource: 4.5 - The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and more complex sentence structures. However, there may be occasional lapses in the accuracy or appropriateness of word choice, which slightly detracts from the overall quality of the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 4 - The candidate demonstrates a good command of grammar and punctuation, with few errors that do not significantly impact the clarity of the message. However, there may be occasional inaccuracies or lapses in grammatical range and accuracy, which slightly affect the overall quality of the essay.
Overall
Band Score: 4.5
The candidate demonstrates a high level of competence in their written English, with an excellent understanding of the question and a strong ability to organize and develop ideas coherently. There are only minor errors in grammar and vocabulary usage that do not significantly impact the overall quality of the essay.
Source:
https://www.ielts.work/?id=1710741016&page=ielts-writing-practice
For more:
https://www.ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice
