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Undiscovered Areas of the World Should Be Opened Up to Access More Resources - IELTS Task Band 9 Sample Essays


With the increased global demand for oil and gas, undiscovered areas of the world should be opened up to access more resources - IELTS Task 2 Band 9 Sample Essays

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Sample Essay 1

The increasing global demand for oil and gas has prompted calls to explore untapped regions for resource extraction. While such expansion could alleviate supply constraints, it also poses significant environmental risks and ethical concerns. This essay will argue that despite potential economic benefits, opening undiscovered areas for resource exploration should be approached with caution, considering environmental preservation and the shift towards sustainable energy.


One primary concern is the irreversible environmental damage caused by oil and gas exploration in unspoiled regions. These areas often harbor fragile ecosystems that play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, providing habitat for rare species and acting as carbon sinks. For instance, drilling in the Arctic could threaten endangered species such as polar bears and migratory birds, while also destabilizing permafrost, which can release large amounts of trapped methane. Furthermore, extraction processes often result in oil spills, deforestation, and water contamination, leading to the long-term degradation of natural habitats and putting indigenous communities at risk. Given the delicate nature of these ecosystems, the risk of environmental catastrophe far outweighs any temporary economic gain that new oil discoveries might provide.


Moreover, relying on new resource extraction undermines global efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources and weakens the commitment to climate change mitigation. With climate change at the forefront of international agendas, there is growing recognition that fossil fuels are a major contributor to global warming, exacerbating extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and environmental displacement. Rather than seeking new areas for oil and gas, which will only prolong the world’s reliance on these harmful resources, the focus should be on reducing dependence on non-renewable energy and investing heavily in cleaner alternatives like wind, solar, and hydropower. Countries that prioritize sustainable energy not only mitigate environmental damage but also create new economic opportunities, enhance energy security, and position themselves as leaders in the rapidly emerging global green economy.


In conclusion, while expanding oil and gas exploration into undiscovered areas may offer short-term economic advantages, the potential environmental harm and the need to shift towards renewable energy make this approach unsustainable. Protecting ecosystems and investing in green technologies should take precedence over exploiting new fossil fuel reserves.


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Sample Essay 2

As global demand for oil and gas continues to rise, the need to explore untapped regions for additional resources has become increasingly pressing. While there are environmental concerns, I fully agree that opening undiscovered areas for resource extraction is necessary to meet energy demands and maintain global economic stability. This essay will discuss the potential economic benefits and energy security that justify this approach.


One key reason for expanding resource exploration into undiscovered areas is the significant economic advantages it offers. Many economies, particularly those heavily reliant on energy exports, benefit greatly from the discovery of new oil and gas reserves. For example, countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia have seen their economies thrive through resource extraction, enabling them to invest in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. New reserves in uncharted regions could similarly boost struggling economies, generating employment and raising living standards. Additionally, increased resource extraction could lead to price stability in the global energy market, benefiting both producers and consumers by preventing drastic price spikes.


Furthermore, expanding into new areas enhances global energy security, which is essential for geopolitical stability. With the world’s current reserves depleting at a rapid rate, accessing untapped resources ensures a continuous supply of oil and gas to meet growing energy demands. This is particularly critical as renewable energy technologies are still in the development phase and cannot yet fully replace fossil fuels. Opening new regions for exploration would provide the energy required to sustain industries and transportation systems, especially in energy-dependent countries. By securing a stable energy supply, nations can safeguard against potential future shortages and reduce their reliance on politically unstable regions.


In conclusion, while environmental concerns are valid, the economic benefits and energy security that come from exploring new regions outweigh the risks. Expanding resource extraction into undiscovered areas is crucial for maintaining economic stability and ensuring a consistent energy supply during the transition to renewable alternatives.


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Sample Essay 3

As the global demand for oil and gas increases, some argue that previously untouched regions should be opened for resource extraction. However, I completely disagree with this approach. Opening up undiscovered areas for oil and gas exploitation poses serious environmental risks and undermines the global transition to sustainable energy. This essay will discuss both of these critical concerns.


The first significant issue is the environmental devastation that often results from oil and gas exploration. Undiscovered regions frequently host sensitive ecosystems that are essential for biodiversity and environmental health. For instance, drilling in the Arctic or rainforest areas can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, and even the extinction of species. Additionally, resource extraction is prone to accidents such as oil spills, which can have catastrophic consequences for marine life, water sources, and local communities. Such damage is often irreversible, and no amount of economic gain can justify the long-term harm to our planet’s ecosystems.


Another critical concern is that expanding fossil fuel exploration directly contradicts global efforts to combat climate change. With the planet facing record levels of carbon emissions, the world needs to prioritize reducing fossil fuel consumption and investing in renewable energy sources. By opening new areas for oil and gas, we delay the necessary shift toward cleaner technologies such as solar and wind energy. The continued reliance on fossil fuels only prolongs environmental degradation and weakens our commitment to addressing global warming. Governments should instead focus on accelerating the adoption of renewable energy solutions that will ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.


In conclusion, the environmental destruction and delay in transitioning to renewable energy make the exploitation of new areas for oil and gas highly irresponsible. Protecting natural ecosystems and prioritizing clean energy are far more important than expanding fossil fuel reserves to meet temporary energy demands.


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