Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a topic of growing importance in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared in several past exams and is likely to continue featuring prominently due to its relevance to current global issues. Based on our analysis of recent IELTS test reports, we’ve identified a question that closely aligns with this topic:
Climate change is causing sea levels to rise and populations to migrate. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Let’s examine this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question requires you to discuss the relationship between climate change, rising sea levels, and human migration. Key points to consider:
- The statement presents two effects of climate change: rising sea levels and population migration.
- You need to express your opinion on the extent to which you agree or disagree.
- It’s important to provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.
- Consider both direct and indirect impacts of climate change on migration patterns.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undeniably altering our planet’s landscape, with rising sea levels and shifting migration patterns emerging as two of its most significant consequences. I strongly agree with the statement that these phenomena are interlinked and driven by climate change, as evidenced by numerous scientific studies and real-world examples.
Firstly, the connection between climate change and rising sea levels is well-established. As global temperatures increase, thermal expansion of oceans and melting ice caps contribute to higher sea levels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that sea levels have risen by about 20 cm since 1900 and are projected to rise by up to 1 meter by 2100 if current trends continue. This poses an existential threat to low-lying coastal areas and island nations, forcing inhabitants to consider relocation.
Secondly, these rising sea levels directly impact population migration. In Bangladesh, for instance, coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion have already displaced thousands of people, pushing them towards urban centers or neighboring countries. Similarly, Pacific Island nations like Kiribati and Tuvalu are facing the prospect of becoming uninhabitable within decades, prompting discussions about relocating entire populations. These examples clearly demonstrate how climate-induced sea level rise is catalyzing human migration.
Moreover, climate change affects migration through other mechanisms beyond sea level rise. Changing precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and agricultural disruptions all contribute to population displacement. In sub-Saharan Africa, desertification and unpredictable rainfall have forced many farmers to abandon their lands and seek opportunities in cities or other countries. The Syrian refugee crisis, while primarily triggered by political conflict, was exacerbated by a severe drought linked to climate change, illustrating the complex interplay between environmental factors and human movement.
Climate change impact on global migration patterns
However, it is important to note that migration is a complex phenomenon influenced by multiple factors, including economic, social, and political considerations. While climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant driver, it often acts in concert with other pressures. For example, economic disparities and political instability can amplify the effects of environmental stressors, making it difficult to isolate climate change as the sole cause of migration in many cases.
In conclusion, the evidence strongly supports the notion that climate change is causing sea levels to rise and significantly influencing global migration patterns. As the impacts of climate change intensify, it is crucial for governments and international organizations to develop comprehensive strategies to address both the environmental challenges and the humanitarian implications of climate-induced migration. Failure to do so could result in unprecedented population movements and potential conflicts in the coming decades.
(340 words)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that climate change is causing sea levels to rise and affecting how people move around the world. This is happening because of global warming, which is melting ice and making oceans bigger.
First, climate change is making sea levels go up. Scientists have found that the ocean is getting higher every year. This is because when the Earth gets warmer, ice in cold places like Antarctica melts. Also, when water gets hot, it takes up more space. These things make the sea level rise. For example, in some islands in the Pacific Ocean, people are worried their homes will be underwater in the future.
Second, this rising sea level is making people move. In places near the coast, people have to leave their homes because of flooding. For instance, in Bangladesh, many farmers have had to move to cities because saltwater from the sea has ruined their fields. This shows how climate change can force people to migrate.
Climate change also causes other problems that make people move. It can cause droughts, which means not enough rain for growing food. When this happens, farmers might have to find new places to live. It can also cause big storms that destroy homes. After these storms, people sometimes have to move to safer places.
Rising sea levels causing coastal displacement
However, it’s important to remember that people move for many reasons, not just because of climate change. Sometimes people move to find better jobs or because of wars in their countries. Climate change is just one of the reasons why people migrate.
In conclusion, I agree that climate change is causing sea levels to rise and making people move. This is a big problem that countries need to work together to solve. We need to find ways to help people who have to leave their homes because of climate change.
(309 words)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
I think climate change is making sea levels go up and people move to new places. This is happening because the Earth is getting warmer.
First, climate change makes ice melt. When ice melts, it turns into water and goes into the sea. This makes the sea level higher. For example, in some beach places, the water is coming closer to people’s houses. This is because of the sea level going up.
Second, when the sea level goes up, people have to move. If they live near the sea, their houses might get flooded. So they have to find new places to live. This is called migration. For example, some people in small islands are worried their whole country might go under water.
Climate change also makes other problems that make people move. Sometimes it doesn’t rain enough, so farmers can’t grow food. Then they have to move to find new jobs. Sometimes there are big storms that break houses. After these storms, people might have to move to safer places.
Causes of climate-induced migration
But people don’t always move because of climate change. Sometimes they move to get better jobs or because there are problems in their country. Climate change is just one reason why people move.
In conclusion, I agree that climate change is making sea levels go up and people move. This is a big problem that we need to fix. We should help people who have to leave their homes because of climate change.
(263 words)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Provides well-supported ideas with relevant examples
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Has very good coherence and cohesion
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, though there may be some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Has adequate coherence and cohesion; uses cohesive devices effectively, but coherence may be affected by faulty punctuation
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
- Uses a limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- May not use paragraphing sufficiently or appropriately
- Has limited coherence and cohesion; overuses cohesive devices or may use them inadequately
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Migration patterns (noun) – /maɪˈɡreɪʃən ˈpætərnz/ – The movement trends of people from one place to another.
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Sea level rise (noun) – /siː ˈlevəl raɪz/ – The increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to global warming.
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Displacement (noun) – /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The forced movement of people from their home or country.
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Environmental stressors (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstresərz/ – Factors in the environment that cause stress to organisms.
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Desertification (noun) – /dɪˌzɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process by which fertile land becomes desert.
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Coastal erosion (noun) – /ˈkəʊstl ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – The wearing away of land by the action of the sea.
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Saltwater intrusion (noun) – /ˈsɔːltwɔːtər ɪnˈtruːʒn/ – The movement of seawater into freshwater aquifers.
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Agricultural disruptions (noun) – /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl dɪsˈrʌpʃənz/ – Disturbances or problems in farming activities.
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Humanitarian implications (noun) – /hjuːˌmænɪˈteəriən ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃənz/ – The consequences of an event or action on human welfare.
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Existential threat (noun) – /ɪɡˌzɪstənʃl θret/ – A danger that threatens the very existence of something.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the critical topic of How Climate Change Affects Global Migration Patterns through the lens of IELTS Writing Task 2. We’ve provided sample essays for different band scores, analyzed the question, and highlighted key vocabulary. This theme is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its global significance.
To further prepare for similar topics, consider practicing essays on related subjects such as:
- The economic impact of climate-induced migration
- Government policies to address climate refugees
- The role of international cooperation in managing climate change and migration
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. We encourage you to write 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.
The effect of climate change on coastal cities is another crucial aspect to consider when discussing climate-induced migration. Understanding these impacts can provide valuable insights for your essays on related topics.
