IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - The role of agriculture in contributing to environmental degradation.
IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713225224
Task 2 Writing Topic:"The role of agriculture in contributing to environmental degradation."
Model Answer:
Over the past few decades, agriculture has been one of the primary drivers of environmental degradation. This phenomenon is attributed to a number of factors, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The rapid expansion of agricultural practices has led to significant alterations in land use patterns and habitat destruction, which in turn have had far-reaching consequences on the environment and ecosystems.
Deforestation is one of the most prominent contributors to environmental degradation caused by agriculture. As forests are cleared to make way for agricultural activities, the natural balance of ecosystems is disrupted. This leads to a loss of habitat for countless plant and animal species, which can result in a reduction in biodiversity. Additionally, deforestation alters the local climate, as trees play a crucial role in regulating temperature and humidity levels. The absence of these factors can exacerbate the effects of global warming and climate change.
Soil erosion is another major issue associated with agricultural practices. Intensive farming methods, such as monoculture and excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, can cause significant damage to soil structure and fertility. This results in a loss of topsoil, which not only affects the productivity of agricultural lands but also contributes to water pollution. Runoff from agricultural fields carries soil particles and agrochemicals into rivers and lakes, causing eutrophication and reducing water quality for both human consumption and aquatic life.
Water pollution is an inevitable consequence of agriculture's environmental impact. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides not only leads to soil degradation but also finds its way into water bodies through rainwater runoff or irrigation. This can cause eutrophication, killing off aquatic life and depleting oxygen levels in the water. Furthermore, livestock farming generates large amounts of waste, which can contaminate water sources if not managed properly.
Lastly, agriculture also contributes to the loss of biodiversity. The conversion of natural habitats into agricultural lands results in a decline in plant and animal species populations. Monoculture practices further exacerbate this problem by reducing genetic diversity within crops, making them more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Loss of biodiversity not only affects the balance of ecosystems but also reduces the resilience of these systems against external threats such as climate change and disease outbreaks.
In conclusion, while agriculture plays an essential role in feeding the world's growing population, it is crucial to recognize its negative impacts on the environment. Addressing deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity should be prioritized in order to mitigate these adverse effects and ensure sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.
Score:
Band Score 9: The response demonstrates a highly cohesive and well-structured argument, with clear and sophisticated language. The essay presents a comprehensive understanding of the topic, along with relevant and accurate information to support the main ideas.
Band Score 8: The response shows a coherent and well-structured argument, with generally appropriate use of language. The essay displays a good understanding of the topic, along with relevant information to support the main ideas. Some minor inaccuracies or omissions may be present.
Band Score 7: The response shows a reasonably cohesive and structured argument, with some appropriate use of language. The essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic, along with some relevant information to support the main ideas. Some clarity and accuracy issues may be present.
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