Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Develop a Sustainable Agriculture System – Sample Essays and Analysis

Sustainable agriculture is a critical topic in today’s world, addressing environmental concerns and food security. This theme frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Based on past exam trends and current global issues, we can expect questions related to sustainable agriculture systems to continue appearing in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question and provide sample essays to help you understand how to approach this topic effectively.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that developing a sustainable agriculture system is crucial for solving world hunger. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question asks for your opinion on whether sustainable agriculture can address global hunger issues. It’s an agree/disagree type question, requiring you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, the concept of sustainable agriculture has gained significant attention as a potential solution to world hunger. I strongly agree that developing such systems is crucial in addressing this global issue, as it offers long-term food security while preserving environmental resources.

Firstly, sustainable agriculture practices ensure the continuous production of food without depleting natural resources. By implementing techniques such as crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation, farmers can maintain soil fertility and biodiversity while reducing the need for harmful chemicals. This approach not only yields consistent harvests but also protects the environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to produce food. For instance, countries like Cuba have successfully implemented sustainable farming methods, significantly reducing their reliance on food imports and improving local food security.

Moreover, sustainable agriculture systems are more resilient to climate change, which is a major threat to global food production. Traditional farming methods are often vulnerable to extreme weather events and changing climate patterns. In contrast, sustainable practices such as agroforestry and permaculture create diverse ecosystems that can better withstand environmental stresses. This resilience is crucial in maintaining stable food supplies, especially in regions prone to droughts or floods. For example, farmers in sub-Saharan Africa who have adopted climate-smart agriculture techniques have seen improved crop yields despite challenging weather conditions.

Furthermore, sustainable agriculture promotes local food production and reduces dependence on global food markets. This localization of food systems can help address hunger by ensuring that communities have direct access to nutritious food without the vulnerabilities associated with international trade fluctuations. It also empowers small-scale farmers, who play a vital role in feeding the world’s population, particularly in developing countries. By supporting these farmers with sustainable methods, we can enhance food availability in areas most affected by hunger.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that developing sustainable agriculture systems is essential in combating world hunger. These practices not only ensure long-term food production but also create resilient and localized food systems. As we face growing environmental challenges, embracing sustainable agriculture is not just beneficial but necessary for global food security.

(Word count: 329)

Sustainable agriculture practices

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that developing a sustainable agriculture system is very important for solving world hunger. This approach can help produce more food while protecting the environment.

One reason why sustainable agriculture is crucial is that it helps farmers grow food for a long time without damaging the land. Traditional farming often uses too many chemicals that can harm the soil. But sustainable methods, like rotating crops and using natural fertilizers, keep the soil healthy. This means farmers can grow food year after year without running out of good soil. For example, in some parts of Africa, farmers who use sustainable methods have been able to grow more food and feed more people in their communities.

Another benefit of sustainable agriculture is that it can help farmers deal with climate change. As the weather becomes more unpredictable, it’s harder for farmers to grow crops. But sustainable farming techniques can make plants stronger and more resistant to extreme weather. This is important because it means we can still produce food even when the climate is changing. In countries like India, where droughts are common, farmers using sustainable methods have been able to grow crops even in dry conditions.

Sustainable agriculture also helps small farmers make a living. Many people who are hungry live in rural areas and depend on small farms. By teaching these farmers sustainable methods, we can help them grow more food and earn more money. This directly helps reduce hunger in poor communities. For instance, programs teaching sustainable farming in Southeast Asia have helped many small farmers improve their harvests and feed their families better.

In conclusion, I believe that sustainable agriculture is very important for solving world hunger. It helps produce food for a long time, deals with climate change, and supports small farmers. Governments and organizations should focus on developing these systems to help feed more people around the world.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Consider When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Examples: Both essays provide relevant examples, but the higher band essay integrates them more seamlessly and provides more specific details.

4. Argumentation: The Band 8-9 essay presents a more comprehensive argument with deeper analysis, while the Band 6-7 essay makes valid points but with less elaboration.

5. Coherence: Both essays maintain good coherence, but the higher band essay demonstrates more sophisticated use of cohesive devices.

Important Vocabulary for This Topic

1. Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
2. Agriculture (noun) /ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃər/ – the science or practice of farming
3. Food security (noun phrase) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food
4. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
5. Agroforestry (noun) /ˌæɡrəʊˈfɒrɪstri/ – a land use management system that combines trees or shrubs with crops or livestock
6. Permaculture (noun) /ˈpɜːməkʌltʃər/ – the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient
7. Climate-smart (adjective) /ˈklaɪmət smɑːrt/ – referring to agricultural practices that increase productivity while adapting to climate change
8. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
9. Crop rotation (noun phrase) /krɒp rəʊˈteɪʃn/ – the practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons
10. Organic farming (noun phrase) /ɔːˈɡænɪk ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ – a method of crop and livestock production that avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers

Conclusion

Sustainable agriculture is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its importance in addressing global challenges. To prepare for potential questions on this subject, consider practicing with variations such as:

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable agriculture practices.
2. Some people argue that traditional farming methods are better than modern sustainable practices. Do you agree or disagree?
3. To what extent can sustainable agriculture contribute to environmental conservation?

By familiarizing yourself with these themes and practicing your essay writing skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question related to sustainable agriculture in your IELTS exam.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the topic provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and to engage in discussions with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.