Climate change and its impact on disease spread is a topic of growing concern in recent years. This issue has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions multiple times, reflecting its relevance in today’s world. Based on past exam trends and the increasing global focus on climate-related health issues, we can expect this theme to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that climate change is the main factor contributing to the increased spread of diseases worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the relationship between climate change and disease spread. Key points to consider:
- The main topic is the link between climate change and disease spread.
- The question uses “some people believe,” indicating that this is a debatable issue.
- You need to express your level of agreement or disagreement.
- The phrase “to what extent” suggests that a nuanced response is expected, rather than a completely one-sided argument.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change has become a pressing global concern, and its potential impact on human health, particularly through the spread of diseases, is a topic of intense debate. While I largely agree that climate change plays a significant role in the increased prevalence of certain diseases worldwide, I believe it is an oversimplification to consider it the sole or main factor.
Undoubtedly, climate change contributes substantially to the spread of various diseases. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns create favorable conditions for disease vectors like mosquitoes and ticks to thrive in previously inhospitable areas. For instance, malaria-carrying mosquitoes are now found at higher altitudes in Africa due to warming temperatures. Moreover, extreme weather events linked to climate change, such as floods and hurricanes, can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera by compromising sanitation infrastructure.
However, it would be remiss to ignore other crucial factors that contribute to disease spread. Globalization and increased international travel play a pivotal role in the rapid transmission of infectious diseases across borders. The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a disease can spread globally in our interconnected world. Additionally, urbanization and population density in developing countries create conditions conducive to disease transmission, often independent of climate factors.
Furthermore, factors such as antibiotic resistance, inadequate healthcare systems, and poor sanitation in many parts of the world significantly impact disease spread. These issues, while not directly related to climate change, can exacerbate the effects of climate-induced disease proliferation.
In conclusion, while climate change is undeniably a major contributor to the increased spread of diseases worldwide, it is part of a complex web of factors. To address this global health challenge effectively, a holistic approach that considers climate change alongside other socio-economic and environmental factors is essential. Only through such a comprehensive strategy can we hope to mitigate the growing threat of disease spread in our rapidly changing world.
(Word count: 309)
Climate change impact on disease spread
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, climate change has become a hot topic, and many people think it is the main reason why diseases are spreading more around the world. I partly agree with this idea, but I also think there are other important reasons we should consider.
Climate change does play a big role in spreading diseases. As the Earth gets warmer, some diseases can spread to new places. For example, mosquitoes that carry malaria can now live in areas that used to be too cold for them. Also, when there are more floods or storms because of climate change, it can cause water to become dirty and spread diseases like cholera.
However, I don’t think climate change is the only main factor. There are other reasons why diseases spread more these days. One big reason is that people travel a lot more now than before. When people travel, they can carry diseases from one country to another without knowing it. This happened with COVID-19, which spread quickly around the world because of air travel.
Another important factor is that more people are living in cities now. When lots of people live close together, it’s easier for diseases to spread from person to person. This is especially true in poor areas where people might not have clean water or good healthcare.
Also, some diseases are becoming harder to treat because they are resistant to medicines. This is not directly related to climate change but makes it harder to stop diseases from spreading.
In conclusion, while climate change is very important in the spread of diseases, it’s not the only main factor. We need to think about all the different reasons diseases spread if we want to solve this problem. This includes looking at climate change, but also things like travel, city living, and healthcare around the world.
(Word count: 298)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Climate change is a big problem in the world today. Many people think it is the main reason why diseases are spreading more. I agree that climate change is important, but I think there are other reasons too.
Climate change makes the Earth warmer. This can help some diseases spread. For example, mosquitoes that carry diseases can live in more places now because it’s warmer. Also, when there are more floods because of climate change, it can make water dirty and spread diseases.
But there are other reasons why diseases spread. One reason is that people travel a lot now. When people go to different countries, they can take diseases with them. This is how COVID-19 spread so fast around the world.
Another reason is that more people live in cities now. When many people live close together, diseases can spread easily. This is worse in poor areas where people don’t have clean water or good doctors.
Some diseases are also getting harder to treat with medicine. This makes it harder to stop them from spreading.
In conclusion, I think climate change is important for disease spread, but it’s not the only reason. We need to think about all the different reasons to solve this problem. This means looking at climate change, but also at how people travel, where they live, and how good their healthcare is.
(Word count: 219)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. Key strengths include:
- Clear and logical structure with well-developed ideas
- Advanced vocabulary used accurately (e.g., “prevalence,” “exacerbate,” “mitigate”)
- Variety of complex sentence structures
- Balanced argument considering multiple perspectives
- Relevant examples to support points (e.g., malaria mosquitoes at higher altitudes)
- Coherent paragraphs with clear central topics
- Effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “However”)
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows good writing ability with some areas for improvement. Strengths and weaknesses include:
- Clear overall structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Good use of topic sentences and paragraph organization
- Relevant ideas and examples
- Some use of less common vocabulary (e.g., “resistant to medicines”)
- Mix of simple and complex sentences, but less variety than the Band 8-9 essay
- Generally clear expression, but with occasional awkward phrasing
- Basic cohesive devices used (e.g., “However,” “Also”)
- Less nuanced argument compared to the Band 8-9 essay
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the task but has several limitations:
- Simple structure with clear paragraphs
- Relevant main ideas, but less fully developed
- Limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition
- Mostly simple sentence structures
- Basic cohesive devices used, but less effectively than higher band essays
- Ideas are present but not as well explained or supported
- Some errors in grammar and word choice, but the meaning is generally clear
Comparison of IELTS essay quality levels
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
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Vector (noun) – /ˈvektər/ – An organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
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Proliferation (noun) – /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – Rapid increase in numbers or spread.
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Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – Make less severe, serious, or painful.
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Globalization (noun) – /ˌɡloʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale.
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Urbanization (noun) – /ˌɜːrbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – The process of making an area more urban.
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Sanitation (noun) – /ˌsænɪˈteɪʃn/ – Conditions relating to public health, especially the provision of clean drinking water and adequate sewage disposal.
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Antibiotic resistance (noun) – /ˌæntibaiˈɒtɪk rɪˈzɪstəns/ – The ability of bacteria and other microorganisms to resist the effects of an antibiotic to which they were once sensitive.
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Holistic (adjective) – /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
In conclusion, the topic of climate change and its impact on disease spread 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 cooperation in addressing global health challenges
- The impact of environmental changes on human migration and health
- The importance of sustainable development in preventing future pandemics
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS exam.
Climate change and its effects on global health are closely linked to other important societal issues. For instance, the consequences of income inequality on societal stability can exacerbate the health impacts of climate change, as lower-income communities often lack the resources to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Additionally, the role of technology in addressing education inequality is crucial in raising awareness about climate change and its health implications, empowering communities to take preventive measures.
As we consider solutions to these complex challenges, it’s worth exploring whether governments should provide universal basic income to citizens as a means to enhance resilience against climate-related health risks. Furthermore, the question of whether governments should increase taxes on high-income individuals could be relevant in funding climate adaptation and public health initiatives. Lastly, as we navigate these issues in an increasingly digital world, the debate on whether should governments provide free access to the internet becomes pertinent in ensuring equal access to information about climate change and health.
