Environmental pollution has become a pressing global issue, and the question of whether governments should impose stricter penalties to combat this problem is increasingly relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a significant theme in future tests. Let’s explore this subject through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Environmental Pollution Penalties
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s focus on a specific question that has been known to appear in IELTS Writing Task 2:
Some people believe that the government should impose stricter penalties on companies and individuals who cause environmental pollution. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
This question requires you to:
- Understand the concept of environmental pollution
- Consider the role of government in environmental protection
- Evaluate the effectiveness of stricter penalties
- Form and express your own opinion on the matter
- Support your viewpoint with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Environmental pollution is undoubtedly one of the most critical challenges facing our planet today. While some argue that imposing stricter penalties on polluters is the solution, I firmly believe that this approach, although necessary, should be part of a more comprehensive strategy to combat environmental degradation.
Firstly, stricter penalties can serve as a powerful deterrent against environmental negligence. When companies and individuals face severe financial consequences or legal repercussions for their polluting activities, they are more likely to invest in cleaner technologies and adopt eco-friendly practices. For instance, in Sweden, the implementation of a carbon tax has led to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the effectiveness of financial disincentives.
However, relying solely on punitive measures may not address the root causes of pollution. Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, may lack the resources or knowledge to implement environmentally friendly practices. Therefore, alongside stricter penalties, governments should also provide incentives and support for green initiatives. This could include tax breaks for companies investing in renewable energy or grants for research and development of sustainable technologies.
Moreover, education and public awareness campaigns are crucial components of any effective environmental policy. By fostering a culture of environmental responsibility from an early age, societies can create a generation of environmentally conscious citizens who are less likely to engage in polluting activities in the first place. Countries like Japan have successfully integrated environmental education into their school curricula, resulting in high levels of public participation in recycling and energy conservation efforts.
In conclusion, while I agree that stricter penalties have a role to play in combating environmental pollution, I believe they should be part of a multifaceted approach. Combining punitive measures with positive incentives, educational initiatives, and technological support will create a more balanced and effective strategy for protecting our environment. Only through such a comprehensive approach can we hope to address the complex challenge of environmental pollution and preserve our planet for future generations.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Environmental pollution is a big problem in many countries today. Some people think that the government should give harder punishments to companies and people who pollute. I agree with this idea to some extent, but I also think other things are important too.
First, stricter penalties can make people and companies more careful about pollution. If they know they will have to pay a lot of money or go to jail for polluting, they might try harder to follow environmental rules. For example, if a factory knows it will be fined heavily for dumping chemicals in a river, it might spend money on better ways to deal with its waste.
However, just giving punishments is not enough to solve the problem. Many companies might not know how to reduce pollution or might not have enough money to buy cleaner equipment. So, the government should also help companies learn about better ways to work without polluting. They could give money to companies that want to use cleaner energy or teach them about new technologies that don’t pollute as much.
Also, it’s important to teach people about the environment. If people understand why pollution is bad and how they can help, they might be less likely to pollute in the first place. Schools should teach children about protecting the environment, and there should be TV shows and advertisements to remind adults too.
In conclusion, I think stricter penalties for pollution are a good idea, but they should be used along with other methods. The government should punish polluters, but also help companies be cleaner and teach people about the environment. This way, we can work together to reduce pollution and protect our planet.
(Word count: 272)
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all aspects of the task effectively:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses the question, presenting a clear position that agrees with stricter penalties but argues for a more comprehensive approach. It provides well-developed ideas and relevant examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “Firstly”, “However”, “Moreover”, “In conclusion”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control (e.g., “deterrent”, “repercussions”, “punitive measures”, “multifaceted approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis:
This essay shows a good attempt at addressing the task, with some areas for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be more fully developed and supported with more specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the range and sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “stricter penalties”, “reduce pollution”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control. However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental pollution (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl pəˈluːʃn/ – The contamination of the environment by harmful substances
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Stricter penalties (noun phrase) – /ˈstrɪktə ˈpenəltiz/ – More severe punishments or fines
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Deterrent (noun) – /dɪˈterənt/ – Something that discourages or prevents an action
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment
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Punitive measures (noun phrase) – /ˈpjuːnɪtɪv ˈmeʒəz/ – Actions taken to punish
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Sustainable technologies (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl tekˈnɒlədʒiz/ – Technologies that can be maintained without depleting natural resources
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Public awareness (noun phrase) – /ˈpʌblɪk əˈweənəs/ – General knowledge or understanding of a particular topic by the public
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Multifaceted approach (noun phrase) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that considers many different aspects of a problem
Conclusion
The topic of environmental pollution and government penalties is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individual responsibility in environmental protection
- The balance between economic growth and environmental conservation
- The effectiveness of international agreements in addressing global environmental issues
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing sample essays, but understanding how to structure your arguments, use appropriate vocabulary, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for your IELTS exam.
