Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Plant-Based Diets and Environmental Sustainability

Plant-based diets and environmental sustainability have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and analysis of past exams, it’s highly likely that questions related to The benefits and challenges of a plant-based diet will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and explore sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that a plant-based diet is better for the environment than a diet that includes meat and dairy products. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

This question asks candidates to discuss their opinion on the environmental impact of plant-based diets compared to diets that include animal products. It’s crucial to:

1. Clearly state your position
2. Provide well-supported arguments
3. Consider counterarguments
4. Use relevant examples

Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been a growing debate about the environmental impact of our dietary choices. While some argue that plant-based diets are significantly better for the environment than those including meat and dairy, I strongly agree with this view due to the numerous ecological benefits associated with plant-based eating.

Firstly, plant-based diets substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture is a major contributor to climate change, responsible for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. By contrast, plant-based food production generates far fewer emissions. For instance, a study by the University of Oxford found that producing a kilogram of beef emits 60 kilograms of greenhouse gases, while peas emit just 1 kilogram per kilogram produced. This stark difference demonstrates how switching to a plant-based diet can dramatically lower one’s carbon footprint.

Secondly, plant-based diets are much more efficient in terms of land and water use. Raising livestock requires vast amounts of land for grazing and growing feed crops, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction. Moreover, the water footprint of animal products is significantly higher than that of plant-based foods. For example, producing one kilogram of beef requires approximately 15,000 liters of water, while the same amount of wheat needs only 1,300 liters. By adopting plant-based diets, we can reduce pressure on land and water resources, allowing for ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.

Some may argue that certain animal products, such as locally sourced, grass-fed beef, have a lower environmental impact. While this may be true in some cases, the scale at which meat and dairy are currently consumed globally makes it unsustainable, even with improved farming practices. Furthermore, plant-based alternatives are continually improving in taste, texture, and nutritional value, making the transition to a more environmentally friendly diet increasingly accessible and appealing.

In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that plant-based diets are better for the environment than those including meat and dairy. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water resources, and promoting biodiversity, plant-based eating offers a powerful solution to many of our pressing environmental challenges. As individuals and societies, embracing more plant-based options in our diets can contribute significantly to a more sustainable future.

(343 words)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:

1. Clear position: The writer strongly agrees with the statement and maintains this position throughout.
2. Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph focuses on a specific point (emissions, resource use) with detailed explanations and examples.
3. Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow logically, with effective use of linking words and phrases.
4. Lexical resource: Advanced vocabulary is used accurately (e.g., “stark difference,” “carbon footprint,” “ecosystem restoration”).
5. Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly, with a mix of simple and compound sentences for clarity.
6. Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-balanced argument.

Environmental impact of plant-based diet vs. meat-based diet

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Many people think that eating only plants is better for the environment than eating meat and dairy. I mostly agree with this idea because plant-based diets can help reduce pollution and save resources.

One main reason plant-based diets are good for the environment is that they create less pollution. When we raise animals for food, it produces a lot of greenhouse gases that harm the environment. For example, cows make methane gas which is bad for the atmosphere. But when we grow plants for food, it doesn’t create as much pollution. This means that if more people eat plant-based diets, we can reduce the amount of harmful gases in the air.

Another benefit of plant-based diets is that they use less water and land. Growing animals for food needs a lot of space for the animals to live and for growing their food. It also requires a lot of water for the animals to drink and to grow their food. On the other hand, growing plants directly for human consumption uses less land and water. This helps to save these important resources and protect nature.

However, some people might say that eating meat and dairy is important for health and that some places can only raise animals for food, not grow plants. While it’s true that meat and dairy have some nutrients, we can get these from plants too. And even if some areas can only raise animals, most places can grow plants, so overall, plant-based diets are still better for the environment.

In conclusion, I believe that plant-based diets are indeed better for the environment because they reduce pollution and save resources. While there may be some challenges, the benefits to our planet make it worth considering eating more plants and less meat and dairy.

(298 words)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates good qualities that align with a Band 6-7 score:

1. Clear position: The writer agrees with the statement and maintains this position.
2. Adequate development: Main ideas are presented with some explanation and examples, though not as detailed as the Band 8-9 essay.
3. Cohesion: Ideas are generally well-linked, though transitions could be smoother.
4. Vocabulary: Good use of topic-related vocabulary, though less sophisticated than the higher band essay.
5. Grammar: Mostly accurate sentence structures, with some variety, though less complex than the Band 8-9 essay.
6. Task response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, though the counterargument could be more developed.

Water usage comparison: meat production vs. plant cultivation

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Plant-based diet (noun) – /plɑːnt beɪst ˈdaɪət/ – A diet consisting mostly or entirely of plant-based foods
2. Environmental sustainability (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain ecological balance without depleting natural resources
3. Greenhouse gas emissions (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
4. Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities
5. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
6. Ecosystem restoration (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm ˌrestəˈreɪʃən/ – The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded or destroyed
7. Resource efficiency (noun) – /rɪˈsɔːs ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – The maximization of the supply of natural resources while minimizing environmental impact
8. Sustainable agriculture (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə/ – Farming practices that protect the environment, public health, and animal welfare

Conclusion

The topic of plant-based diets and their impact on environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The role of individual dietary choices in combating climate change
2. Government policies to promote sustainable eating habits
3. The economic impact of shifting towards plant-based diets on a global scale
4. Industrial agriculture’s impact on biodiversity and potential solutions

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on the given topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.