Organic farming is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the years. Based on past exam patterns and current agricultural trends, we can expect questions related to the benefits and drawbacks of organic farming to continue featuring prominently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that organic farming is the solution to world hunger and environmental problems. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to evaluate the potential of organic farming as a solution to two major global issues: world hunger and environmental problems. The phrase “to what extent” indicates that a nuanced response is expected, considering both the advantages and limitations of organic farming in addressing these challenges.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Organic farming has gained significant attention in recent years as a potential solution to some of the world’s most pressing issues. While I agree that this agricultural approach offers numerous benefits, I believe its capacity to single-handedly solve world hunger and environmental problems is limited.
Undoubtedly, organic farming practices contribute positively to environmental conservation. By eschewing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farms reduce chemical runoff, preserve soil quality, and promote biodiversity. This aligns with the growing need for sustainable agriculture practices, which are crucial for long-term food security and ecosystem health. Moreover, organic methods often require less energy input and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions, further mitigating environmental concerns.
However, the ability of organic farming to address world hunger is questionable. While organic produce is often of higher nutritional value, the yields are typically lower compared to conventional farming methods. This reduced productivity could pose challenges in meeting the food demands of a growing global population, especially in regions already struggling with food scarcity. Additionally, the higher costs associated with organic farming may make its products less accessible to economically disadvantaged populations, potentially exacerbating food inequality.
Furthermore, the environmental benefits of organic farming must be weighed against its limitations. Large-scale organic farming would require significantly more land to produce the same amount of food as conventional methods, potentially leading to deforestation and habitat loss. This presents a complex trade-off between chemical-free agriculture and land conservation that must be carefully considered.
In conclusion, while organic farming offers valuable contributions to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection, it is not a panacea for world hunger and environmental problems. A more holistic approach, combining the best practices of organic farming with technological innovations and policy reforms, is likely necessary to address these global challenges effectively. The importance of sustainable farming practices cannot be overstated, but they must be implemented as part of a broader, multifaceted strategy for global food security and environmental stewardship.
(Word count: 309)
Benefits and drawbacks of organic farming illustrated
Band 6-7 Essay
Organic farming has become a popular topic in recent years, with some people believing it can solve world hunger and environmental problems. While I agree that organic farming has some benefits, I don’t think it’s the complete solution to these big issues.
On the positive side, organic farming is good for the environment. It doesn’t use harmful chemicals, which helps protect the soil and water. This is important for the benefits of sustainable farming practices. Organic farms also support more wildlife, which is good for nature. Additionally, organic food is often healthier because it doesn’t have pesticide residues.
However, organic farming has some drawbacks when it comes to solving world hunger. The main problem is that organic farms usually produce less food than regular farms. This means we might not be able to grow enough food for everyone if we only use organic methods. Also, organic food is often more expensive, so poor people might not be able to afford it.
There are also some environmental concerns with organic farming. It needs more land to grow the same amount of food as regular farming. This could lead to cutting down forests to make more farmland, which would be bad for the environment.
In conclusion, while organic farming is good in many ways, it’s not the only answer to world hunger and environmental problems. We need to use a mix of different farming methods and other solutions to tackle these big issues. The importance of organic farming in sustainable agriculture is clear, but it should be part of a larger plan to feed the world and protect the planet.
(Word count: 273)
Band 5-6 Essay
Some people think organic farming can solve world hunger and help the environment. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are some problems with it.
Organic farming is good because it doesn’t use chemicals. This helps keep the soil and water clean. 81. The benefits of organic farming practices include making healthier food for people to eat. Animals and plants also like organic farms because they are more natural.
But organic farming can’t solve all problems. It’s hard to grow as much food on organic farms as on normal farms. This means we might not have enough food for everyone if we only use organic farming. Also, organic food costs more money, so not everyone can buy it.
Another problem is that organic farms need more land. If we use only organic farming, we might have to cut down forests to make more farms. This would be bad for nature.
In conclusion, organic farming is good but it’s not perfect. We need to use different ways of farming and find other solutions to feed people and help the environment.
(Word count: 170)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Coherent structure with clear paragraphs addressing different aspects
- Advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Balanced argument considering multiple perspectives
- Relevant examples and specific details supporting the main points
- Logical progression of ideas and effective use of cohesive devices
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band:
- Clear structure with appropriate paragraphing
- Good range of vocabulary with some less common words
- Addresses both sides of the argument, but with less depth
- Some examples provided, but less specific than the Band 8-9 essay
- Generally coherent with some use of linking words
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but has limited development:
- Simple structure with basic paragraphing
- Limited vocabulary range, mostly using common words
- Attempts to address both sides but lacks depth and detail
- Few specific examples or supporting details
- Basic coherence but limited use of cohesive devices
Key Vocabulary
- Eschewing (verb) /ɪsˈtʃuːɪŋ/ – deliberately avoiding or abstaining from
- Mitigating (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/ – reducing the severity or seriousness of something
- Panacea (noun) /ˌpænəˈsiːə/ – a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected
- Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Exacerbating (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪtɪŋ/ – making a problem or bad situation worse
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
Key vocabulary for organic farming IELTS essays
Conclusion
The topic of organic farming and its potential to address global issues is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in sustainable agriculture
- Balancing food production and environmental conservation
- The economic impacts of shifting to organic farming on a large scale
- Government policies to promote sustainable farming practices
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on the given topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you develop the skills necessary to excel in the IELTS Writing Task 2.