Industrialization and its impact on the environment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject due to its global relevance. Based on analysis of previous IELTS questions, here are some related prompts that have been used:
Some people believe that industrial growth is necessary to solve poverty, while others argue it is causing environmental problems that are more serious than poverty. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
The environment is suffering due to human activity and the situation is likely to be worse in the future. What are the causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to solve it?
Many people believe that companies and individuals should pay to clean up the environment in proportion to the amount of pollution they have produced. Do you agree or disagree?
For this essay, we’ll focus on the first prompt as it directly addresses the effects of industrialization on the environment while also touching on socioeconomic aspects.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that industrial growth is necessary to solve poverty, while others argue it is causing environmental problems that are more serious than poverty. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that industrial growth can solve poverty
- Discuss the opposing view that industrialization causes serious environmental problems
- Provide your own opinion on the issue
It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the prompt:
Industrial growth has long been considered a key factor in economic development and poverty reduction. However, its environmental impact has raised concerns about the sustainability of this approach. This essay will examine both perspectives and argue that while industrialization can alleviate poverty, it must be balanced with environmental protection measures.
Proponents of industrial growth argue that it is essential for lifting people out of poverty. Industrialization creates jobs, increases productivity, and drives economic growth, which can lead to improved living standards. For instance, countries like China and India have seen significant reductions in poverty rates as their industrial sectors expanded. Moreover, industrial development often brings improvements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare, further contributing to poverty alleviation.
On the other hand, critics contend that the environmental costs of industrialization outweigh its benefits. Industrial activities are major contributors to pollution, deforestation, and climate change, which can have severe long-term consequences for both human health and ecosystems. The degradation of natural resources and the loss of biodiversity can exacerbate poverty in rural communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods. Furthermore, the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, disproportionately affect the poor, potentially undoing any progress made through industrial growth.
In my opinion, the solution lies in finding a balance between industrial development and environmental protection. Sustainable industrialization, which incorporates clean technologies, renewable energy sources, and circular economy principles, can help reduce poverty while minimizing environmental damage. Governments and businesses should invest in green technologies and implement strict environmental regulations to ensure that industrial growth does not come at the expense of the planet’s health.
In conclusion, while industrial growth can be an effective tool for poverty reduction, it must be pursued in a way that does not compromise the environment. By adopting sustainable practices and technologies, we can harness the benefits of industrialization while safeguarding the planet for future generations.
(Word count: 309)
Industrial Environmental Balance
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates writing at the Band 6-7 level:
Nowadays, there is a debate about industrial growth and its effects on poverty and the environment. Some people think industry is needed to reduce poverty, but others say it causes big environmental problems. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, industrial growth can help solve poverty. When countries build more factories and businesses, they create more jobs. This means people can earn money and improve their lives. For example, in China, many people moved from poor villages to work in cities, and now they have better houses and can send their children to school. Also, when industry grows, the country gets richer and can spend more on things like hospitals and roads, which help poor people.
However, the other side argues that industrialization is bad for the environment. Factories produce a lot of pollution, which makes the air and water dirty. This can make people sick and harm animals and plants. Another problem is that industries often cut down forests to build factories or get materials, which destroys nature. Climate change is also getting worse because of industrial activities, and this affects everyone, especially poor people who can’t protect themselves from things like floods or droughts.
In my opinion, I think both views have good points. We need industry to help poor people, but we also need to protect the environment. I believe the best solution is to find ways to grow industry that don’t harm nature so much. For example, using clean energy like solar power in factories or recycling materials instead of cutting down more trees. Governments should make rules to stop companies from polluting too much.
To conclude, industrial growth can help reduce poverty, but it’s important to think about the environment too. If we can find a balance between growing industry and protecting nature, we can have the benefits of both.
(Word count: 309)
Key Writing Tips
When writing about the effects of industrialization on the environment, consider the following:
For Band 8-9:
- Use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Provide specific examples to support your arguments
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic
- Use cohesive devices effectively to connect ideas
- Maintain a formal academic tone throughout
For Band 6-7:
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Include some topic-specific vocabulary
- Provide general examples to support your points
- Use basic cohesive devices to link ideas
- Maintain a clear structure with distinct paragraphs
Important Vocabulary to Remember
- Industrialization (noun) /ɪnˌdʌs.tri.ə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/ – the process of developing industries in a country
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to continue over a period of time without damaging the environment
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Pollution (noun) /pəˈluː.ʃən/ – damage caused to water, air, etc. by harmful substances or waste
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒr.ɪˈsteɪ.ʃən/ – the cutting down of trees in a large area
- Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪ.mət ˌtʃeɪndʒ/ – changes in the earth’s weather patterns
- Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˌnjuː.ə.bəl ˈen.ə.dʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
Conclusion
The effects of industrialization on the environment is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of both economic and ecological factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice balancing these perspectives and articulating your own informed opinion. Remember to use a range of vocabulary and structures appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of government in regulating industrial pollution
- The impact of consumer behavior on industrial production and environmental degradation
- The potential of green technologies in creating sustainable industrial growth
We encourage you to write your own essay based on the prompt provided and share it in the comments section. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
To further enhance your understanding of environmental issues in the context of IELTS, you may find it helpful to explore our articles on how technology impacts environmental sustainability and the effects of air pollution on respiratory diseases.