Climate change and its effects on global weather patterns has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam statistics, this theme appeared in approximately 15% of tests between 2020-2023, particularly in Asia-Pacific test centers. Let’s examine one frequently encountered question format:
Some people say that climate change is the biggest threat to global weather patterns. Others believe there are more serious environmental concerns. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Climate change and environmental concerns
- Task: Discuss both views + give opinion
- Key points to address:
- Climate change impacts on weather
- Other environmental issues
- Personal stance with justification
The devastating effects of climate change on global weather patterns
Band 8 Sample Essay (295 words)
Climate change’s influence on global weather patterns has emerged as a critical environmental concern, though opinions differ on whether it represents the gravest threat. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my view.
Those who consider climate change the paramount threat argue that its effects on weather patterns are unprecedented and far-reaching. Rising global temperatures have triggered more frequent extreme weather events, including devastating hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and catastrophic floods. For instance, the intensity and frequency of tropical cyclones in Southeast Asia have increased dramatically over the past decade, causing massive destruction and loss of life. Moreover, altered precipitation patterns have disrupted agricultural cycles worldwide, threatening food security for millions.
However, others contend that different environmental issues pose more immediate dangers. Air pollution in major cities directly impacts human health daily, causing respiratory diseases and premature deaths. Furthermore, deforestation and ocean pollution present immediate threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. The rapid disappearance of rainforests in countries like Brazil and Indonesia has immediate consequences for local communities and wildlife.
In my opinion, while other environmental challenges require urgent attention, climate change’s impact on weather patterns represents the most serious threat. The cascading effects of disrupted weather systems affect every aspect of life on Earth, from food production to water availability. Unlike localized environmental issues, climate change’s global reach makes it particularly challenging to address and potentially irreversible without immediate action.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events due to climate change
Band 6.5 Sample Essay (283 words)
Many people nowadays worry about climate change and weather patterns, but some think other environmental problems are worse. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
First, climate change is making weather very different from before. The weather is getting more extreme, with bigger storms and longer dry periods. For example, in my country, we now have more floods in the rainy season and worse droughts in summer than ten years ago. This makes it hard for farmers to grow food and affects many people’s lives. Also, when the weather changes like this, it can damage buildings and roads, which costs a lot of money to fix.
However, some people think other environmental problems are more important. They say that pollution from factories and cars is very bad for people’s health right now. When people breathe dirty air every day, they can get sick quickly. Also, when companies dump waste in rivers and oceans, it kills fish and makes water dirty. These problems affect people’s daily lives more directly than climate change.
In my opinion, I think climate change is the biggest problem because it makes all other environmental problems worse. When the weather changes too much, it affects everything – the air, water, and land. For example, when it gets too hot, air pollution becomes worse in cities, and when there are big storms, more pollution goes into rivers. We need to fix climate change first to help solve other environmental problems.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simpler vocabulary and grammar
- Basic but clear organization
- Less sophisticated examples
- More personal tone
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never known or done before
- Catastrophic (adj) /ˌkætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – involving or causing sudden great damage
- Cascading (adj) /kæˈskeɪdɪŋ/ – (of effects) occurring in sequence
- Irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – not able to be changed back
- Precipitation (n) /prɪˌsɪpɪˈteɪʃn/ – rain, snow, sleet, or hail
- Biodiversity (n) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – variety of plant and animal life
To practice writing similar essays, consider these additional topics:
- The relationship between climate change and natural disasters
- Economic impacts of changing weather patterns
- Solutions to address global climate challenges
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
