Cambridge English Exams
C1 Advanced Essay Writing: Protecting the Natural Environment
Example Exam Task
You attended a public debate about how governments and communities should protect the natural environment. The speakers discussed the growing pressure on natural habitats and the need to reduce the environmental impact of human activities. You have made the notes below:
What should be the priority in protecting the natural environment?
- Protect forests and natural habitats
- Reduce plastic waste
- Encourage people to use less energy
Some opinions expressed during the debate:
- ‘Protecting natural habitats is essential if we want to preserve wildlife and biodiversity.’
- ‘Plastic pollution is one of the most visible environmental problems and needs to be tackled urgently.’
- ‘If individuals and businesses used less energy, we could significantly reduce environmental damage.’
Write an essay, discussing two of the proposals in your notes. You should explain which proposal would help protect the natural environment most, giving reasons in support of your answer. Write 220–260 words in an appropriate style.
You may, if you wish, make use of the opinions expressed in the seminar, but you should use your own words as far as possible.
Example Essay
Protecting the Natural Environment
The growing pressure on natural resources and ecosystems is making environmental protection an increasingly urgent priority. Although reducing plastic waste could address a highly visible form of pollution, this essay will argue that protecting forests and natural habitats would have a greater overall impact because of their importance for biodiversity and the health of the planet.
On the one hand, reducing plastic waste could significantly improve the natural environment. Large amounts of plastic end up in rivers, seas and other ecosystems, where they can harm wildlife and remain in the environment for decades. Measures such as reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling systems and encouraging reusable products could therefore help limit pollution. Furthermore, reducing plastic consumption would make people more aware of the environmental consequences of their everyday choices. However, tackling plastic waste alone would not address many of the other threats facing natural habitats.
On the other hand, protecting forests and natural habitats could provide much broader and longer-lasting benefits. Forests support a vast range of plant and animal species, while also absorbing carbon dioxide and helping to regulate the climate. Protecting them would therefore not only preserve biodiversity but also contribute to tackling climate change. In addition, maintaining healthy ecosystems can prevent soil degradation and protect water resources. This is particularly important as human development continues to put increasing pressure on natural areas. Consequently, protecting habitats could address several environmental problems at the same time.
In conclusion, although reducing plastic waste is an important environmental measure, protecting forests and natural habitats would bring greater overall benefits. Preserving healthy ecosystems is essential for biodiversity, climate stability and the long-term well-being of society.
Photo: Bodnant Garden, North Wales © Great British Gardens