Welcome to the World of Biodiversity!

Hello! Get ready to explore the amazing topic of biodiversity. Don't worry, this isn't a science lesson! Instead, we're going to use this fascinating subject to supercharge your English skills for the HKDSE. You'll learn the language you need to discuss important environmental issues, write persuasively, and express your ideas clearly.

Learning about biodiversity is not just important for our planet, it's a great way to practise arguing your point in a debate, writing powerful articles, and understanding complex texts. Let's get started!


Understanding Biodiversity: The Core Concepts

First things first, let's make sure we're all on the same page. Knowing the basics will help you understand reading passages and give you ideas for your own writing and speaking.

What Does 'Biodiversity' Even Mean?

It's simpler than it sounds! Let's break it down:

Bio = Life
Diversity = Variety

So, biodiversity is simply the variety of life on Earth. Think of it like this:

Imagine a library with only one type of book, repeated over and over. That would be boring and not very useful. Now, imagine a huge library with millions of different books on every topic imaginable. That's exciting and full of possibilities! A planet with high biodiversity is like that amazing library.

There are three main levels of biodiversity:

  • Species Diversity: This is about the different types of living things. For example, in Hong Kong, we have Chinese White Dolphins, Black-faced Spoonbills, and Romer's Tree Frogs. That's species diversity!
  • Genetic Diversity: This is the variety within a single species. Think about all the different breeds of dogs (poodles, huskies, Shiba Inus) – they are all the same species, but they have different genes. This genetic variety helps species survive diseases and changes.
  • Ecosystem Diversity: This refers to the variety of different habitats and environments. For example, our planet has rainforests, deserts, coral reefs, wetlands, and mountains. Hong Kong itself has marine parks, country parks, and urban areas.

Why Should We Care About Biodiversity?

It's not just about saving cute animals! Biodiversity is essential for our own survival. Here's why:

  • Our Supermarket: It provides us with a huge variety of food, from rice and vegetables to fish and meat. Less diversity means fewer food choices.
  • Our Pharmacy: Many medicines come from plants and other natural sources. Losing species means we could lose the cure for a future disease.
  • Our Life Support System: Forests produce the oxygen we breathe, and wetlands clean our water. Ecosystems work together to keep our planet stable.
  • Our Economy: Industries like tourism and fishing depend heavily on healthy, diverse nature. Think about people visiting Hong Kong to go hiking in Sai Kung or to see the dolphins!
Key Takeaway

Biodiversity is the rich variety of all life on Earth. It's crucial for our food, medicine, clean air, and economy. Protecting it means protecting ourselves.


Building Your Biodiversity Vocabulary

To talk and write about this topic like a pro, you need the right words. Let's build your vocabulary toolbox!

Key Terms You MUST Know

  • Ecosystem: A community of living organisms (plants, animals) interacting with their physical environment (like the sun, soil, and water). Example: The coral reefs at Hoi Ha Wan are a delicate ecosystem.
  • Habitat: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism. Example: The loss of bamboo forests is a major threat to the giant panda's habitat.
  • Endangered: A species that is at serious risk of becoming extinct. Example: The green turtle is an endangered species in Hong Kong.
  • Extinct: A species that no longer has any living members. Example: Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years.
  • Conservation: The protection of animals, plants, and natural resources. Example: Conservation efforts are in place to protect the Mai Po wetlands.
  • Sustainable: Using resources in a way that doesn't damage the environment or use them all up, so that future generations can also use them. Example: Sustainable fishing means not catching fish faster than they can reproduce.
  • Deforestation: The action of clearing a wide area of trees. Example: Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is a major cause of climate change.
Quick Review Box

Habitat = Home
Endangered = In Danger
Extinct = Gone Forever
Conservation = Protection

Words for Problems vs. Solutions

When you're writing or debating, it's useful to have words ready to describe both the problems and the solutions.

Words for Problems:

  • Pollution
  • Habitat destruction / Habitat loss
  • Poaching (illegal hunting)
  • Overfishing
  • Climate change
  • Invasive species

Words for Solutions:

  • Preservation
  • Reforestation (planting trees)
  • Raising awareness
  • Sustainable development
  • Recycling
  • Establishing nature reserves
Memory Aid!

Remember the main threats to biodiversity with HIPPO:

H - Habitat Loss
I - Invasive Species
P - Pollution
P - Population Growth (Human)
O - Over-harvesting (like overfishing)


Speaking Up for Nature: Debates and Discussions

In your HKDSE speaking exam, you might discuss a social issue like environmental protection. The syllabus suggests debating topics like "environmental conservation vs. economic development." Let's learn how to structure your arguments.

Structuring Your Argument with P-E-E-L

A great way to make a clear and convincing point is using the P-E-E-L method. Don't worry, it's easy!

  • P - Point: State your main idea in a single, clear sentence.
    "First of all, I believe that protecting our country parks is more important than building more housing."
  • E - Evidence/Example: Give a fact or an example to support your point.
    "For example, Lion Rock Country Park is not only a 'green lung' for Kowloon, but it also provides a vital habitat for many native species."
  • E - Explanation: Explain HOW your example supports your point.
    "This shows that these natural spaces are irreplaceable. Once they are destroyed for development, the unique biodiversity is lost forever, which negatively impacts our city's air quality and natural heritage."
  • L - Link: Link your point back to the main question or topic.
    "Therefore, when we weigh the options, the long-term benefits of conservation clearly outweigh the short-term gains of economic development."

Useful Phrases for Debates & Discussions

Keep these phrases handy to sound more fluent and confident!

Introducing a point:

  • My first point is that...
  • To begin with, we need to consider...
  • The main argument against this is...

Agreeing:

  • I couldn't agree more.
  • That's a very good point.
  • I feel the same way because...

Disagreeing Politely:

  • I understand what you're saying, but...
  • I see your point, however, I believe that...
  • I'm afraid I have to disagree because...
Did You Know?

The syllabus also suggests a fun activity: acting as a tour guide for a conservation park. This is great practice for descriptive and informative speaking! Try to describe what you see, its importance, and what visitors can do to help. "On your left, you'll notice the mangrove swamp, which is a crucial breeding ground for..."

Key Takeaway

To speak effectively about biodiversity, structure your arguments using P-E-E-L. Use a range of phrases to introduce points, agree, and disagree politely. This will make your ideas clear and persuasive.


Writing for Change: Persuasive Texts

The theme of biodiversity is perfect for practising persuasive writing. The syllabus mentions tasks like writing pamphlets and designing surveys. Let's see how to do it!

How to Write a Persuasive Pamphlet

Imagine you need to create a pamphlet urging schoolmates to reduce waste to protect our environment. Here's a simple structure:

  1. Catchy Headline: Make it short and powerful.
    Example: Save Our Seas: End Plastic Pollution!
  2. Brief Introduction: State the problem clearly and simply.
    Example: "Every day, thousands of plastic bottles and bags end up in our beautiful oceans, harming marine life like turtles and dolphins."
  3. Clear Solutions (use bullet points!): Tell people exactly what to do. This is often called a "Call to Action".
    Example:
    • REDUCE: Say no to plastic straws and disposable cutlery.
    • REUSE: Bring your own water bottle and shopping bag.
    • RECYCLE: Place clean plastic waste in the correct recycling bin.
  4. A Concluding Appeal: End with a strong, memorable message.
    Example: "Your small actions can make a big difference. Let's work together for a cleaner, greener Hong Kong!"

Language Features of Persuasive Writing

To make your writing more powerful, use these tricks:

  • Rhetorical Questions: Questions that don't need an answer, but make the reader think.
    "Do we really want our beaches to be covered in rubbish?"
  • Emotive Language: Words that create a strong feeling.
    "The tragic death of a whale found with a stomach full of plastic bags is a devastating reminder of our responsibility."
  • Imperatives (Commands): Direct, instructional verbs.
    "Act now! Join the fight against waste! Make a change today!"
  • Inclusive Pronouns (We/Our): Makes the reader feel they are part of a team.
    "This is our planet, and it's our duty to protect it."
Common Mistake to Avoid

When writing, don't just state the problem. The most important part of persuasive writing is offering clear, simple, and actionable solutions. Make your reader feel empowered, not helpless!

Key Takeaway

For persuasive writing like pamphlets, use a catchy headline, state the problem, offer clear solutions (a call to action), and use persuasive language features like rhetorical questions and emotive words.