Globalization and its effects on the environment have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Let’s explore a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that globalization has a negative impact on the environment, while others argue that it can actually help protect the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of globalization on the environment
- Explain how globalization can potentially help protect the environment
- Provide their own opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine three sample essays of varying quality to understand the differences in approach and execution.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Globalization has undoubtedly transformed our world, and its impact on the environment is a topic of heated debate. While some argue that it has detrimental effects on our planet, others believe it can be a force for environmental protection. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who criticize globalization’s environmental impact often point to increased pollution and resource depletion. As international trade expands, so does the transportation of goods across vast distances, leading to higher carbon emissions from ships and planes. Moreover, the race for economic growth has resulted in the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries, often with little regard for sustainability. For instance, the rapid deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is partly driven by global demand for products like beef and soy.
Conversely, proponents argue that globalization can foster environmental protection through the spread of green technologies and international cooperation. As knowledge and innovations are shared globally, sustainable practices and clean energy solutions can be adopted more widely and rapidly. Additionally, international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord demonstrate how globalization can facilitate collective action against environmental threats. Furthermore, as consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies are increasingly pressured to adopt eco-friendly practices to remain competitive in the global market.
In my opinion, while globalization has certainly contributed to some environmental challenges, it also holds the key to addressing these issues on a global scale. The interconnectedness brought about by globalization allows for coordinated efforts and the sharing of resources necessary to combat climate change and other environmental problems. However, it is crucial that we harness the positive aspects of globalization while implementing strict regulations to mitigate its negative impacts.
In conclusion, globalization’s effect on the environment is complex and multifaceted. By acknowledging both its potential for harm and its capacity for positive change, we can work towards a more sustainable future that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
(Word count: 309)
Illustration of globalization's impact on the environment
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both negative and positive views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (e.g., “conversely,” “moreover,” “furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “detrimental,” “exploitation,” “sustainability,” “foster”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Examples: Specific examples are provided to support arguments, such as the Amazon rainforest deforestation and the Paris Climate Accord.
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Balance: The essay presents a balanced view of the topic before offering a nuanced personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Globalization is a big topic nowadays, and many people worry about how it affects the environment. Some think it’s bad for nature, while others say it can help protect our planet. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, globalization can harm the environment. When companies make products in different countries, they often pollute the air and water. Also, ships and planes that carry goods around the world use a lot of fuel and create pollution. For example, big ships that carry containers produce a lot of CO2, which is bad for the climate. Another problem is that some countries cut down forests to make things for other countries to buy.
On the other hand, globalization can be good for the environment too. When countries work together, they can share ideas about how to protect nature. For instance, scientists from different countries can work together to find solutions for climate change. Also, when people learn about environmental problems in other parts of the world, they might want to help solve them. Companies might also make more eco-friendly products because customers around the world want them.
In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad effects on the environment. I think we need to be careful and try to reduce the bad things while keeping the good things. Governments should make rules to stop pollution and protect forests, but also encourage cooperation between countries to solve environmental problems.
To conclude, globalization affects the environment in different ways. We should try to make it work better for nature while still enjoying its benefits for the economy and society.
(Word count: 270)
The role of technology in promoting lifelong learning has also been instrumental in spreading awareness about environmental issues globally, contributing to more informed decisions and actions.
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates competence but lacks the sophistication of the higher band essay:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question but with less depth and fewer specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repeated use of “also”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences with occasional complex structures.
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Examples: Some examples are provided, but they are less specific and developed compared to the higher band essay.
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Balance: The essay presents both views and offers a personal opinion, but the analysis is less nuanced.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Globalization is very important today. Some people think it is bad for environment. Other people think it can help environment. I will write about both ideas.
Globalization can make environment bad. Many factories make things and sell to other countries. These factories make pollution. Also, big ships and airplanes carry products around world. They use lot of oil and make air dirty. For example, in my country, we have more factories now and the air is not clean.
But some people say globalization is good for environment. Countries can share ideas to help nature. People learn about problems in other places and want to help. Some companies make things that don’t hurt environment because people want to buy these things.
I think globalization has good and bad things for environment. We need to be careful. We should stop bad things and do more good things. Governments should make rules to protect nature.
In the end, globalization affects environment in many ways. We must try to make it better for nature.
(Word count: 159)
Analysis of Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates limited proficiency:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main points but lacks depth and specific examples.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The structure is basic, with limited use of cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is simple and repetitive, with some inaccuracies.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple sentences with frequent errors.
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Examples: Few examples are provided, and they lack specificity.
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Balance: Both views are presented, but the analysis is superficial.
Global environmental awareness through technology
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Globalization and Environment
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Globalization (noun) – /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale
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Environmental impact (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – the effect of human activities on the natural world
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance
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Carbon emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere
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Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˌnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
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International cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈnæʃənl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ – the interaction of persons or groups for their mutual benefit
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Resource depletion (noun phrase) – /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃən/ – the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
The benefits of lifelong learning in the modern workforce can include increased awareness of environmental issues and the ability to contribute to sustainable practices in various industries.
Conclusion
The topic of globalization’s impact on the environment is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of international agreements in addressing global environmental issues
- The impact of multinational corporations on local environments
- The relationship between economic growth and environmental protection
- The effectiveness of individual actions versus government policies in environmental conservation
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing an essay on the sample question provided in this article. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS Writing skills and gain confidence in tackling similar topics in the actual exam.
Digital education platforms for lifelong learning can provide valuable resources for staying updated on global environmental issues and enhancing your ability to write about complex topics like globalization and its impacts.
