PTE Academic Write Essay · Opinion (agree or disagree) · beginner

Environmental Conservation Benefits and Drawbacks Opinion Essay

The prompt

Some people believe that environmental conservation brings more benefits than drawbacks to modern society. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

20 minutes. Write 200 to 300 words. A BandLadder practice prompt, not a recalled exam question.

Plan before you write

Position:
I strongly agree that the advantages of environmental conservation significantly outweigh the potential economic limitations.
Paragraph 2:
Conservation efforts foster long-term sustainability and public health improvements.
Paragraph 3:
Implementing green policies drives innovation and creates new economic opportunities.
  1. State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.
  2. Two body paragraphs that each give one reason for that position, with an example.
  3. A partial position is fine if it is stated precisely; a position that drifts is what caps task response at 6.

Sample essay

Environmental conservation is frequently debated regarding its impact on progress. While some argue that strict regulations hinder economic development, I strongly agree that the advantages of environmental preservation significantly outweigh the potential limitations, as it ensures long-term viability and enhances human welfare.

Primarily, protecting natural ecosystems is essential for sustaining life and public health. By preserving biodiversity and reducing pollution, society mitigates the catastrophic risks of climate change, such as extreme weather events and resource scarcity. For instance, the transition to reforestation projects in various nations has not only sequestered carbon but also restored local watersheds, securing clean water supplies for millions. These initiatives prevent the exorbitant costs associated with environmental remediation and healthcare crises stemming from pollution.

Furthermore, environmental stewardship acts as a catalyst for technological innovation and economic growth. The shift toward renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, has created a robust global industry that generates millions of high-skilled jobs. Rather than stagnating growth, environmental standards encourage industries to adopt efficient production methods and sustainable materials. The rapid expansion of the electric vehicle market, for example, demonstrates how regulatory pressure can drive competitive advancements that benefit both the economy and the planet simultaneously.

In conclusion, environmental conservation is not a hurdle to modern society but a fundamental pillar of its endurance. By prioritizing ecological health, nations can secure a stable future and foster industries that are resilient to changing global conditions. The long-term gains in sustainability and the emergence of green technologies clearly demonstrate that conservation is an investment rather than a drawback.

258 words. Use the structure and vocabulary, not the sentences: PTE flags memorised templates.

Why this scores well

This essay scores highly on linguistic range through the use of precise, academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures that maintain flow. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, leading to a weak argument that lacks development.

Vocabulary from the essay

mitigates
makes something less severe or painful
sequestered
removed or stored carbon from the atmosphere
exorbitant
unreasonably high or excessive in cost
remediation
the action of reversing environmental damage
catalyst
a person or thing that precipitates change
stagnating
ceasing to develop or make progress
resilient
able to withstand or recover quickly
viability
the ability to work successfully and survive

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Frequently asked questions

How long should a PTE essay be?

Between 200 and 300 words; outside that range the form score drops to zero. This sample is 258 words, written for the 20-minute limit.

What type of essay is this?

Opinion (agree or disagree). State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.

What does PTE reward in the essay?

This essay scores highly on linguistic range through the use of precise, academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures that maintain flow. The most common mistake on this prompt is failing to provide specific examples, leading to a weak argument that lacks development.

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