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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Overfishing The Greatest Threat to Marine Ecosystems

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1712733457

Task 2 Writing Topic: Overfishing: The Greatest Threat to Marine Ecosystems

Overfishing has become a significant concern worldwide due to the detrimental impact it has on marine ecosystems. As an editor, you are responsible for preparing and examining the IELTS writing test questions. Your task is to create a question that aligns with the real IELTS testing standards, as well as providing a model answer for this specific topic.

Question: "Overfishing: The Greatest Threat to Marine Ecosystems" - Discuss the extent to which overfishing poses a threat to marine ecosystems and suggest potential solutions to mitigate this issue.

Model Answer:

Overfishing is undoubtedly one of the most significant threats facing marine ecosystems today. The rapid depletion of fish stocks, along with the disruption of food chains and habitat destruction, has far-reaching consequences for both marine life and human communities that rely on these resources. To address this pressing issue, it is essential to implement sustainable fishing practices and promote conservation efforts.

The impact of overfishing on marine ecosystems is multifaceted. Firstly, the depletion of fish stocks disrupts the balance of marine food chains. As apex predators are removed from the ecosystem, the population of smaller species, such as plankton and invertebrates, explodes. Consequently, the decline in phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food chain, exacerbates the problem by reducing oxygen levels and altering nutrient cycles.

Secondly, overfishing leads to habitat destruction as fishers target specific areas, resulting in the degradation of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. These habitats provide vital breeding grounds and nurseries for numerous marine species, making their loss particularly detrimental to the long-term survival of these ecosystems.

To mitigate the effects of overfishing, a combination of strategies should be employed. At an individual level, consumers can make more sustainable choices by opting for eco-labeled and sustainably sourced seafood products. Governments and fishing industries should also work together to establish effective monitoring systems, enforce quotas, and implement catch limits. Moreover, the creation of marine protected areas (MPAs) and no-fishing zones can help protect critical habitats and allow depleted fish stocks to recover.

In conclusion, overfishing poses a severe threat to marine ecosystems due to its disruptive impact on food chains and habitat destruction. To combat this issue, a multifaceted approach that includes consumer awareness, sustainable fishing practices, and the establishment of MPAs is essential. By implementing these strategies, we can protect our valuable marine resources for future generations.

Scoring:
- Task Response: 9 (The candidate has clearly addressed all parts of the question and provided a well-structured response)
- Coherence and Cohesion: 9 (The answer is organized in a logical manner, with smooth transitions between paragraphs)
- Lexical Resource: 8.5 (The vocabulary used is varied and appropriate; however, some phrases might not be entirely precise)
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy: 8.5 (There are few grammar errors, but some minor inaccuracies in the use of tense or subject-verb agreement)
- Overall Band Score: 9

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