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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is Climate Change the Greatest Existential Threat Facing Humanity?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1713258872

Title: "Is Climate Change the Greatest Existential Threat Facing Humanity?"

This essay question is designed for candidates at an advanced level of English proficiency (IELTS Band 6-9). It requires candidates to express their own opinion and present reasoned arguments, supporting it with relevant examples. Candidates should also recognize and respond to opposing viewpoints and be able to draw appropriate conclusions.

Model Answer:

In today's world, numerous threats pose a significant risk to humanity, such as political instability, economic crises, terrorism, and diseases, among others. However, climate change is often regarded as the greatest existential threat due to its far-reaching consequences. This essay will discuss why climate change deserves this title and consider whether other potential threats could surpass it in severity.

Firstly, climate change has a profound impact on various aspects of life, including food production, water supply, health, and ecosystems. Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent extreme weather events like hurricanes, floods, droughts, and heatwaves, which threaten agricultural output and, consequently, global food security. For instance, the 2018 European heatwave resulted in a reduction of wheat production by up to 50% in some regions. Additionally, water scarcity due to melting glaciers and reduced precipitation levels could exacerbate conflicts over access to this vital resource.

Secondly, climate change also affects human health directly. Higher temperatures increase the prevalence of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, while extreme weather events can lead to injuries, fatalities, and displacement. Moreover, air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels contributes significantly to respiratory illnesses like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Lastly, ecosystems are significantly affected by climate change. Rising sea levels threaten coastal habitats, while shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems worldwide. Consequently, many species face extinction due to loss of habitat, food sources, or suitable climates. For example, the polar bear is at risk as melting ice reduces their primary hunting ground for seals.

While it is true that other threats like nuclear war or pandemic diseases may have immediate and devastating consequences, they tend to be less pervasive in scope. For instance, the aftermath of a nuclear conflict would likely be localized due to retaliation measures and containment strategies. In contrast, climate change impacts every corner of the globe, making it an existential threat in its scope.

In conclusion, although other threats exist that could challenge humanity's survival, such as nuclear war or pandemics, none are as all-encompassing and far-reaching as climate change. Its multifaceted impact on food production, water supply, health, and ecosystems underscores its status as the greatest existential threat facing humanity today.

Band Scores:
Overall - Band 9
Task Response - Band 9
Coherence and Cohesion - Band 9
Lexical Resource - Band 8.5
Grammatical Range & Accuracy - Band 8.5

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