Organic farming has become an increasingly popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends, it’s estimated that questions related to the advantages and disadvantages of organic farming appear in approximately 15-20% of IELTS exams. This high frequency makes it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared to discuss this subject. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past 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 with this opinion?
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 balanced approach is expected, discussing both the merits and limitations of organic farming in addressing these challenges.
Sample Essays
Band 8 Essay Sample
Organic farming has gained significant attention as a potential solution to global food insecurity and environmental degradation. While I believe that organic farming offers numerous benefits, I partially agree that it is the sole answer to these complex issues.
Undoubtedly, organic farming practices contribute positively to environmental conservation. By eschewing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, organic farms reduce chemical runoff into water systems and maintain soil health. This approach promotes biodiversity and supports ecosystems, which are crucial for long-term agricultural sustainability. Moreover, organic methods often involve crop rotation and natural pest control, which can enhance soil fertility and reduce the need for external inputs over time.
However, the claim that organic farming can single-handedly solve world hunger is overly optimistic. While organic produce is often of high quality, yields can be lower compared to conventional farming methods, especially in the short term. This reduced productivity could potentially exacerbate food shortages in regions already struggling with hunger. Additionally, the higher costs associated with organic farming may make it less accessible to low-income communities, potentially widening the gap in food accessibility.
That being said, organic farming does have the potential to contribute to food security in several ways. By promoting local food systems and reducing dependence on chemical inputs, organic farming can increase community resilience and food sovereignty. Furthermore, the focus on soil health in organic practices can lead to more robust crops that are better able to withstand climate change-induced stresses, which is crucial for long-term food security.
In conclusion, while organic farming offers significant environmental benefits and can contribute to sustainable food systems, it should be viewed as part of a broader strategy to address world hunger and environmental problems. A comprehensive approach that combines the best practices of organic farming with other sustainable agricultural techniques and socio-economic policies is likely to be more effective in tackling these global challenges.
Word count: 309
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Organic farming has become a popular topic in recent years as people look for solutions to world hunger and environmental problems. While I believe organic farming has some advantages, I don’t think it’s the complete answer to these big issues.
One good thing about organic farming is that it’s better for the environment. Organic farmers don’t use chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which can harm the soil and water. This helps keep the land healthy for a long time. Also, organic farms often have more different types of plants and animals, which is good for nature. These practices can help develop a sustainable agriculture system that’s better for the planet.
However, organic farming might not be able to produce enough food to feed everyone in the world. Organic crops often grow slower and produce less than regular farming methods. This could be a problem in places where there’s already not enough food. Also, organic food is usually more expensive, so poor people might not be able to afford it. This doesn’t help solve world hunger.
On the other hand, organic farming can help with food security in some ways. It doesn’t rely on expensive chemicals, so farmers in poor countries might save money. Organic methods also help keep the soil healthy, which is important for growing food in the long term. This could help farmers address food insecurity in their communities.
In conclusion, I think organic farming is good for the environment and can help with some food problems, but it’s not the only solution to world hunger and environmental issues. We probably need to use a mix of different farming methods and other solutions to solve these big problems.
Word count: 287
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Organic farming is becoming more popular these days. Some people think it can solve world hunger and help the environment. I think organic farming is good, but it’s not the only answer to these big problems.
Organic farming is good for the environment. Farmers don’t use chemicals that can hurt nature. This keeps the soil and water clean. It’s also good for animals and plants that live on the farm. These are important benefits of sustainable farming practices.
But organic farming might not be able to grow enough food for everyone. It often makes less food than normal farming. This could be a problem in places where people don’t have enough to eat. Also, organic food costs more money. Poor people might not be able to buy it. So it doesn’t really help with world hunger.
However, organic farming can help in some ways. It doesn’t need expensive chemicals, so it might be cheaper for some farmers. It also keeps the soil healthy for a long time. This could help grow more food in the future.
In conclusion, I think organic farming is good but it’s not the only way to solve world hunger and environmental problems. We need to use different types of farming and other solutions to fix these issues.
Word count: 213
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay
This essay demonstrates a high level of language proficiency and critical thinking:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used with awareness of style and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used accurately and appropriately. The essay maintains a high degree of grammatical accuracy throughout.
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows a competent use of English, though less sophisticated than the Band 8 essay:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may be inadequately developed or unclear in parts.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but they do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay demonstrates a modest command of English:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but the format may be inappropriate in places, and ideas may be inadequately developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is evident, but paragraphing may be inadequate. Cohesive devices are used but may be inaccurate or repetitive.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may cause some difficulty for the reader.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. Errors are frequent and may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary
-
Organic farming (noun): A method of farming that avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
/ɔːˈɡænɪk ˈfɑːmɪŋ/ -
Sustainable (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
/səˈsteɪnəbl/ -
Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
/ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ -
Pesticide (noun): A substance used for destroying insects or other organisms harmful to cultivated plants or animals.
/ˈpestɪsaɪd/ -
Food security (noun): The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
/fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ -
Ecosystem (noun): A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
/ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ -
Crop rotation (noun): The practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons.
/krɒp rəʊˈteɪʃn/ -
Soil fertility (noun): The ability of soil to sustain agricultural plant growth.
/sɔɪl fəˈtɪləti/ -
Food sovereignty (noun): The right of peoples to healthy and culturally appropriate food produced through ecologically sound and sustainable methods.
/fuːd ˈsɒvrənti/ -
Monoculture (noun): The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.
/ˈmɒnəʊkʌltʃə/
Conclusion
The topic of organic farming and its potential to address global issues like hunger and environmental degradation 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
- Government policies to promote organic farming
- The economic impact of shifting to organic farming practices
- Balancing food production and environmental conservation
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, structure your essay logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.