Deforestation is a critical environmental issue that has been appearing with increasing frequency in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to forest conservation and government policies to protect forests in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Government imposing penalties for deforestation
Analyzing the Question
Should Governments Impose Stricter Penalties For Deforestation?
This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should enforce harsher punishments for activities that lead to deforestation. To answer effectively, you should:
- Clearly state your position
- Provide reasons and examples to support your view
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Offer a balanced conclusion
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Deforestation is a pressing global issue that threatens biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being. In my opinion, governments should indeed impose stricter penalties for deforestation to curb this destructive practice and protect our planet’s vital ecosystems.
Firstly, harsher penalties can serve as a powerful deterrent against illegal logging and land clearing. When the economic consequences of deforestation outweigh the potential profits, individuals and corporations are less likely to engage in such activities. For example, in Brazil, increased fines and more rigorous enforcement led to a significant decrease in Amazon deforestation rates between 2004 and 2012. This demonstrates the effectiveness of strict penalties in combating forest loss.
Moreover, stricter penalties can generate funds for reforestation and conservation efforts. By imposing substantial fines on those responsible for illegal deforestation, governments can channel these resources into programs that restore damaged ecosystems and protect remaining forests. This approach not only punishes offenders but also contributes to the solution, creating a positive feedback loop in forest management.
However, it is important to acknowledge that penalties alone are not sufficient. Governments must also address the root causes of deforestation, such as poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods in forest-dependent communities. Combining stricter penalties with education, sustainable development initiatives, and support for alternative income sources can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to forest conservation.
In conclusion, while stricter penalties for deforestation are crucial, they should be part of a multifaceted strategy that balances punishment with prevention and sustainable development. By implementing such a holistic approach, governments can more effectively combat deforestation and preserve our planet’s invaluable forest resources for future generations.
(Word count: 275)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
Task Response: The essay clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed argument with relevant examples.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, including less common phrases like “pressing global issue,” “vital ecosystems,” and “multifaceted strategy.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex sentences are used effectively without errors.
Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-elaborated with explanations and examples, showing depth of understanding of the issue.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I think governments should use stronger punishments for deforestation because it’s a big problem for our environment. There are several reasons why this is a good idea.
First, tougher penalties can stop people from cutting down trees illegally. If the fines are very high, companies might think twice before destroying forests for profit. This can help save many trees and animals that live in the forests.
Also, the money from fines can be used to plant new trees and take care of the forests we still have. This is important because forests help clean our air and provide homes for many animals.
However, we should remember that some people cut down trees because they need money to live. So, governments should also help these people find other ways to make money that don’t harm forests.
In conclusion, I believe stricter penalties for deforestation are necessary, but they should be combined with other solutions to really solve the problem. This way, we can protect our forests and the people who depend on them.
(Word count: 172)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position, though the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in higher band essays.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band essays. There’s some attempt to use less common vocabulary (e.g., “tougher penalties,” “destroying forests for profit”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though there’s less variety compared to Band 8-9 essays.
Development of Ideas: Main points are supported, but the explanations and examples are less detailed and nuanced compared to higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/: The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈterənt/: A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.
Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/: The action of preserving, protecting, or restoring the natural environment.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Reforestation (noun) /riːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/: The process of planting trees in an area where there used to be a forest.
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Holistic (adjective) /həˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
Rigorous (adjective) /ˈrɪɡərəs/: Extremely thorough and careful.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored how to approach the IELTS Writing Task 2 question “Should governments impose stricter penalties for deforestation?” We’ve provided two sample essays demonstrating different band scores, along with analyses to help you understand the key differences between them.
As you practice, remember that similar topics related to environmental protection, government policies, and conservation efforts may appear in future IELTS exams. Some potential variations could include:
- Should governments prioritize environmental protection over economic growth?
- Is it the responsibility of developed countries to help developing nations protect their forests?
- Should individuals be held accountable for their carbon footprint?
To improve your writing skills, try composing your own essay on the deforestation penalties topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your ideas, improve your structure, and expand your vocabulary on environmental issues.
