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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Over-fishing has become a very common practice in many countries. What do you think are the effects of over-fishing? Use your own knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Over-fishing has become a very common practice in many countries. What do you think are the effects of over-fishing?

Over-fishing has detrimental effects on marine ecosystems, economies, and food security. This essay will discuss the impacts of over-fishing and provide examples to support the arguments.

Firstly, over-fishing disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems. When certain species are excessively harvested, it can lead to a decline in their population, affecting the food chain and biodiversity. For instance, the over-fishing of sharks can result in an increase in the population of their prey, disrupting the entire ecosystem.

Secondly, over-fishing has severe consequences on the economy. Many coastal communities rely on fishing for their livelihoods, and over-fishing can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, causing a decline in income for fishermen. For example, in the Philippines, over-fishing has led to a decrease in the catch of certain fish species, impacting the income of local fishermen.

Furthermore, over-fishing contributes to food insecurity. As fish stocks decline, it becomes challenging to meet the demand for fish as a significant protein source for millions of people worldwide. This can lead to malnutrition and hunger, especially in developing countries that heavily rely on fish for nutrition.

In conclusion, over-fishing has far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems, economies, and food security. It is imperative for governments and communities to implement sustainable fishing practices to mitigate these impacts and ensure the long-term health of marine environments and the well-being of human populations.

Model Essay #2:

Over-fishing has become a very common practice in many countries. What do you think are the effects of over-fishing?

Over-fishing has become a prevalent practice in many countries, and while it has some negative effects, it also brings certain benefits. This essay will discuss both the positive and negative impacts of over-fishing and provide examples to support the arguments.

Firstly, over-fishing can lead to the depletion of certain fish species, disrupting marine ecosystems. When a particular species is over-exploited, it can have cascading effects on other species and the overall balance of the ecosystem. For example, the over-fishing of tuna has resulted in a decline in their population, affecting other marine organisms that depend on them for food.

However, over-fishing also has positive effects on the economy. It provides employment opportunities for many people, particularly in coastal communities where fishing is a primary source of income. For instance, in countries like Indonesia and Thailand, over-fishing sustains the livelihoods of numerous fishermen and supports the local economy.

Furthermore, over-fishing contributes to meeting the global demand for seafood. As the world's population continues to grow, the demand for fish as a source of protein also increases. Over-fishing helps in meeting this demand and providing food security for millions of people around the world.

In conclusion, while over-fishing has negative effects on marine ecosystems, it also brings economic benefits and helps in meeting the global demand for seafood. It is essential to find a balance between sustainable fishing practices and the economic needs of communities to ensure the long-term health of marine environments and the well-being of human populations.

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