IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Manage the Risks of Climate Change – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Climate change is a pressing global issue that has been increasingly featured in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter topics related to managing climate change risks in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and provide comprehensive sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Climate change risks and management strategies

Analyzing the Question

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:

Some people believe that governments and individuals should focus on immediate issues like healthcare and education rather than long-term problems such as climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

This question requires you to discuss the prioritization of immediate societal needs versus long-term environmental concerns. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide balanced arguments
3. Use specific examples to support your points
4. Conclude with a summary of your stance

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences that will impact generations to come. While some argue that immediate concerns like healthcare and education should take precedence, I strongly believe that governments and individuals must prioritize addressing climate change alongside these short-term issues.

Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that climate change is not merely a future problem, but one that is already affecting our present. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss are tangible threats that require immediate attention. By neglecting these issues, we risk exacerbating their impact, potentially leading to irreversible damage to our planet and, consequently, to human society. For instance, the increasing frequency of natural disasters due to climate change has already strained healthcare systems and disrupted education in many regions, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these issues.

Moreover, investing in climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies can yield significant co-benefits for healthcare and education. Transitioning to clean energy sources not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also improves air quality, leading to better public health outcomes. Similarly, developing resilient infrastructure to withstand climate-related risks can ensure continuity in education and other essential services during extreme weather events. These examples illustrate how addressing climate change can complement rather than compete with other immediate societal needs.

Furthermore, the long-term nature of climate change necessitates proactive measures. Delaying action will only increase the costs and complexity of addressing its impacts in the future. Governments and individuals have a responsibility to future generations to take decisive action now. This can be achieved through a combination of policy measures, technological innovations, and changes in individual behavior, all of which require immediate initiation and sustained effort.

In conclusion, while healthcare and education are undoubtedly important, they should not be prioritized at the expense of addressing climate change. The interconnected nature of these issues and the potentially catastrophic consequences of inaction on climate change underscore the need for a balanced approach. By treating climate change as an immediate and ongoing priority alongside other pressing concerns, we can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

(Word count: 345)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Climate change is a big problem that many people are worried about. Some think we should focus on things like healthcare and education instead of climate change. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think climate change is important.

Firstly, healthcare and education are very important for people’s lives right now. Good healthcare helps people stay healthy and live longer. Education is important for getting jobs and having a better life. These things affect people every day, so it makes sense to focus on them.

However, climate change is also a serious problem that we can’t ignore. It causes things like floods, storms, and hotter temperatures. These problems can hurt people and damage buildings and farms. If we don’t do anything about climate change now, it could cause bigger problems in the future.

I think we can work on both immediate issues and climate change at the same time. For example, we can teach students about climate change in schools. This helps with education and also makes people aware of environmental problems. We can also use clean energy like solar power, which is good for the environment and can create new jobs.

Governments have a big role to play. They can make laws to protect the environment while also improving healthcare and education. People can also help by doing small things like recycling and using less energy.

In conclusion, I believe we should not ignore climate change even though healthcare and education are important. We need to find ways to work on all these issues together for a better future.

(Word count: 263)

Key Writing Tips

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced argument.

2. Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “far-reaching consequences,” “exacerbating,” and “resilient infrastructure.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, such as “By neglecting these issues, we risk exacerbating their impact.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler sentence structures but generally maintains grammatical accuracy.

4. Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more comprehensive argument.

5. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.

Advanced Vocabulary to Remember

1. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.

2. Adaptation (noun) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/: The process of changing to suit different conditions.

3. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪljənt/: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

4. Proactive (adjective) /proʊˈæktɪv/: Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.

5. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/: To make a problem or bad situation worse.

6. Irreversible (adjective) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbl/: Not able to be undone or altered.

7. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.

8. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level without depleting resources.

In conclusion, managing the risks of climate change is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By practicing with essays like those provided above and expanding your vocabulary on this subject, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle similar questions in your exam. Remember to balance your arguments, provide specific examples, and maintain a clear structure in your writing.

To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as “The role of individual actions in combating climate change” or “The economic impacts of climate change mitigation policies.” Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow learners.