Carbon emissions and climate change have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. The question of whether governments should impose stricter carbon emission limits is a recurring theme, reflecting the global concern for environmental sustainability. Based on recent trends, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to approach it effectively.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that governments should impose stricter limits on carbon emissions for businesses and industries. Others argue that this would harm economic growth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question presents a classic debate between environmental protection and economic growth. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should impose stricter carbon emission limits
- Explore the counterargument that such limits could harm economic growth
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores to understand how to approach this topic effectively.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over how to address it often centers on the role of governments in regulating carbon emissions. While some advocate for stricter limits on businesses and industries, others worry about the potential economic repercussions. In my opinion, while short-term economic challenges may arise, implementing tighter carbon emission controls is crucial for long-term sustainability and economic stability.
Proponents of stricter carbon emission limits argue that government intervention is necessary to combat climate change effectively. They contend that without stringent regulations, businesses will prioritize short-term profits over environmental concerns, leading to irreversible damage to our planet. For instance, the successful implementation of emissions trading schemes in the European Union has demonstrated that government-led initiatives can significantly reduce carbon output while encouraging innovation in clean technologies.
On the other hand, critics of tighter regulations fear that such measures could stifle economic growth and competitiveness. They argue that imposing additional costs on businesses, particularly in energy-intensive industries, could lead to job losses and reduced investment. For example, some developing countries resist adopting strict emission standards, claiming that it would impede their industrial development and economic progress.
However, I believe that the perceived conflict between environmental protection and economic growth is largely a false dichotomy. While there may be short-term adjustments and costs associated with transitioning to low-carbon technologies, the long-term benefits far outweigh these temporary setbacks. Investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies can create new jobs, foster innovation, and ultimately lead to more sustainable and resilient economies. Moreover, the economic costs of unmitigated climate change – including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and resource scarcity – far exceed the costs of preventive action.
In conclusion, while the concerns about economic impact are valid, they should not deter governments from implementing stricter carbon emission limits. A balanced approach that combines regulatory measures with incentives for clean technology adoption can help mitigate short-term economic challenges while paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. It is crucial for policymakers to recognize that environmental sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but rather interdependent goals in the long run.
(Word count: 367)
Government imposing carbon emission limits
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that align with Band 8-9 criteria:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the essay uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise, with natural and accurate usage. Examples include “irreversible damage,” “emissions trading schemes,” “stifle economic growth,” and “false dichotomy.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. It includes various sentence types and shows excellent control over grammar and punctuation.
Development of Ideas: Each point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing depth of analysis and critical thinking.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Many people think that governments should put stricter limits on carbon emissions for companies and industries. However, others believe this could hurt economic growth. I think both sides have valid points, but ultimately, stricter limits are necessary for our future.
Those who support stricter limits say it’s important for fighting climate change. They believe that without these rules, businesses will not do enough to reduce their emissions. For example, when the UK introduced a carbon tax, it helped reduce coal use in power generation. This shows that government action can make a big difference in reducing carbon emissions.
On the other hand, people against stricter limits worry about the economy. They think that if businesses have to spend more money on reducing emissions, they might have to cut jobs or raise prices. This could slow down economic growth, especially in countries that are still developing. For instance, some factories in China have closed because of stricter environmental rules, causing job losses.
In my opinion, while there might be some short-term economic challenges, stricter carbon emission limits are necessary for our long-term well-being. Climate change can cause many problems like extreme weather and rising sea levels, which will be very expensive to deal with in the future. By taking action now, we can avoid these bigger costs later.
Also, new environmental rules can create opportunities for green jobs and innovation. Many companies are now developing clean technologies, which can lead to new industries and jobs. For example, the growth of the electric car industry has created many new jobs in manufacturing and technology.
In conclusion, while stricter carbon emission limits might cause some economic difficulties in the short term, I believe they are essential for our future. Governments should work on finding a balance between protecting the environment and supporting the economy, perhaps by offering help to businesses to adapt to new rules.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with Band 6-7 criteria:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both viewpoints and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression. It uses some cohesive devices, but they could be more varied.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated words. However, it lacks the precision and range of higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Development of Ideas: Ideas are supported with relevant examples, but the level of analysis and explanation is not as deep as in higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Stringent (adjective) – /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – Strict, precise, and exacting.
Economic growth (noun phrase) – /ˌekəˈnɑːmɪk ˈɡroʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnuːəbəl ˈenərdʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or things.
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Incentive (noun) – /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Conclusion
The topic of carbon emission limits is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in combating climate change
- The balance between environmental protection and economic development in developing countries
- The potential of renewable energy technologies to replace fossil fuels
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about memorizing sample answers, 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 the IELTS exam.
For more practice on related topics, you might want to check out our articles on whether governments should impose a cap on carbon emissions for corporations and whether countries should implement a carbon tax to reduce emissions. These resources can provide additional perspectives and vocabulary to enhance your essay writing on environmental topics.