International trade plays a crucial role in shaping the global economy and has significant implications for sustainable development. As an IELTS Writing Task 2 topic, “promoting sustainable development through international trade” has gained prominence in recent years. This article will provide you with comprehensive sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2 preparation.
Analyzing the Topic and Its Relevance
The intersection of international trade and sustainable development is a highly relevant and frequently occurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and past exam patterns, we can expect this topic to appear with increasing frequency in future tests. Let’s examine a specific question that aligns closely with this theme:
Some people believe that international trade is essential for promoting sustainable development, while others argue that it can harm the environment and local economies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question reflects the complexity of the issue, requiring candidates to consider multiple perspectives and formulate a well-reasoned opinion.
Analyzing the Question
Before we dive into the sample essays, let’s break down the key components of this question:
- Two contrasting viewpoints are presented:
- International trade is essential for promoting sustainable development
- International trade can harm the environment and local economies
- The task requires you to discuss both views
- You must also provide your own opinion
To excel in this task, you’ll need to:
- Clearly explain both perspectives
- Provide relevant examples and supporting evidence
- Articulate your own stance on the issue
- Maintain a balanced approach throughout your essay
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sustainable international trade concept
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In today’s globalized world, the role of international trade in promoting sustainable development has become a subject of intense debate. While some argue that it is crucial for fostering economic growth and technological advancement, others contend that it can lead to environmental degradation and economic disparities. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of international trade argue that it is a key driver of sustainable development. They assert that trade facilitates the exchange of goods, services, and ideas across borders, leading to economic growth and innovation. This, in turn, can generate resources for investing in sustainable practices and technologies. For instance, developing countries can gain access to advanced green technologies through trade, enabling them to leapfrog environmentally harmful stages of development. Moreover, international trade can promote specialization and efficiency, allowing countries to focus on their comparative advantages and optimize resource allocation.
On the other hand, critics argue that unrestricted international trade can have detrimental effects on the environment and local economies. They point out that increased transportation of goods contributes to carbon emissions and climate change. Additionally, the pressure to remain competitive in global markets may lead companies to prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, resulting in environmental exploitation and labor rights violations. Furthermore, local industries in developing countries may struggle to compete with multinational corporations, potentially leading to job losses and economic instability.
In my opinion, while the concerns raised by critics are valid, international trade remains an essential tool for promoting sustainable development when properly regulated and managed. The key lies in implementing robust environmental and labor standards in trade agreements, incentivizing sustainable practices, and supporting local industries in developing countries. For example, the European Union’s Green Deal includes provisions for carbon border adjustments, which aim to prevent “carbon leakage” and encourage trading partners to adopt more sustainable practices.
To truly harness the potential of international trade for sustainable development, a collaborative global approach is necessary. This should involve:
- Incorporating sustainability criteria into trade agreements
- Promoting the transfer of green technologies and best practices
- Supporting capacity building in developing countries
- Encouraging responsible consumption and production patterns globally
In conclusion, while international trade presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable development, its potential to drive positive change cannot be overlooked. By addressing the legitimate concerns and implementing appropriate safeguards, we can leverage the power of global trade to create a more sustainable and prosperous world for all.
(Word count: 398)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several qualities that contribute to its high band score:
Coherent structure: The essay follows a clear four-paragraph structure, addressing both viewpoints before presenting a nuanced personal opinion.
Comprehensive coverage: It thoroughly examines both sides of the argument, providing specific examples and explanations.
Sophisticated language: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures accurately. For example, “facilitates the exchange“, “leapfrog environmentally harmful stages“, “comparative advantages“.
Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and well-supported with specific suggestions for improvement.
Relevant examples: The essay includes pertinent examples, such as the EU’s Green Deal and carbon border adjustments.
Cohesive devices: Appropriate linking words and phrases are used throughout, enhancing the essay’s flow and coherence.
Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion with justification.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
International trade is a topic that many people have different opinions about when it comes to sustainable development. Some think it’s very important, while others worry about its negative effects. In this essay, I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts.
Those who support international trade believe it helps countries develop in a sustainable way. They say that when countries trade with each other, they can share new ideas and technologies. This can help poorer countries get access to better ways of doing things that are good for the environment. Also, trade can make countries richer, which means they have more money to spend on protecting the environment and improving people’s lives.
However, there are also people who think international trade can be harmful. They worry that it leads to more pollution because goods have to be transported long distances. They also say that big international companies might take advantage of workers in poor countries and damage the environment to make more profit. Some local businesses might also struggle to compete with foreign companies, which could lead to job losses.
In my opinion, international trade can be good for sustainable development if it is done in the right way. I think we need rules to make sure that trade doesn’t harm the environment or exploit workers. For example, countries could agree to only trade products that are made in an environmentally friendly way. We should also help local businesses in developing countries so they can benefit from trade too.
To make international trade better for sustainable development, I think we should:
- Make trade agreements that include rules about protecting the environment
- Help poor countries learn about and use green technologies
- Support small local businesses so they can take part in international trade
- Encourage people to buy products that are made sustainably
In conclusion, while international trade has some risks, I believe it can play an important role in promoting sustainable development. The key is to manage it carefully and make sure it benefits everyone, not just big companies. By doing this, we can use trade to create a better future for all countries.
(Word count: 345)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Adequate structure: The essay follows a clear structure, addressing both viewpoints and presenting a personal opinion.
Sufficient coverage: It covers the main points of both arguments, though with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Appropriate language: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some good vocabulary choices. However, the language is less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. For example, “help countries develop“, “take advantage of workers“, “done in the right way“.
Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated clearly, though the supporting arguments are less developed.
Basic examples: The essay includes some examples, but they are more general and less specific than those in the higher band essay.
Some cohesive devices: The essay uses some linking words and phrases, but less variety compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but with less depth and nuance than the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Sustainable development (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – development that meets current needs without compromising future generations
International trade (noun phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl treɪd/ – the exchange of goods and services between countries
Economic disparity (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈspærəti/ – significant difference in economic well-being between individuals or groups
Carbon emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
Comparative advantage (noun phrase) – /kəmˈpærətɪv ədˈvɑːntɪdʒ/ – the ability of a country to produce a particular good or service at a lower opportunity cost than its trading partners
Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems
Globalization (noun) – /ˌgləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale
Carbon leakage (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – the phenomenon where companies move production to countries with laxer climate policies to avoid carbon costs
Capacity building (noun phrase) – /kəˈpæsəti ˈbɪldɪŋ/ – the process of developing and strengthening the skills, abilities, and resources that organizations and communities need to survive and thrive
Green technologies (noun phrase) – /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒiz/ – technologies that are environmentally friendly and often involve renewable energy sources or energy efficiency
Conclusion
The topic of promoting sustainable development through international trade 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 international organizations in promoting sustainable trade
- Balancing economic growth and environmental protection in global trade
- The impact of fair trade practices on sustainable development
- Technological innovation and its role in sustainable international trade
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to practice regularly and seek feedback on your essays. Why not try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below? This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
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