Global warming and climate change have become increasingly frequent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent examinations. This trend reflects the growing global concern about environmental issues and their impact on our planet. Let’s examine some real IELTS questions and provide sample essays at different band scores.
Climate change: causes and solutions represents one of the most challenging yet important topics that test-takers need to master for success in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analysis of Question
Global warming is one of the most serious issues that the world faces today. What are the causes of global warming and what measures can governments and individuals take to tackle the issue?
This question requires:
- Identifying major causes of global warming
- Suggesting solutions at both governmental and individual levels
- Providing a well-structured response with clear examples
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening both environmental stability and human survival. This essay will examine the primary causes of global warming and propose comprehensive solutions at various levels.
The main drivers of global warming are predominantly human activities. Industrial emissions and the burning of fossil fuels release enormous quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and raising global temperatures. Additionally, effects of climate change on marine life are exacerbated by deforestation, which reduces the Earth’s natural capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Urban expansion and intensive agriculture also contribute significantly to this problem.
Governments can implement several effective measures to address this crisis. Firstly, they should establish and enforce strict regulations on industrial emissions while incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy sources. Furthermore, investment in public transportation infrastructure and the promotion of electric vehicles can significantly reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. Impact of global warming on animal habitats can be mitigated through comprehensive conservation programs and reforestation initiatives.
Individuals also play a crucial role in combating global warming. People can make environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives, such as using energy-efficient appliances, reducing meat consumption, and minimizing private vehicle usage. Moreover, supporting local environmental initiatives and practicing responsible consumption can create a collective impact on reducing carbon footprints.
In conclusion, while global warming presents a formidable challenge, coordinated efforts between governments and individuals can help mitigate its effects. The implementation of stringent environmental policies, combined with personal responsibility, is essential for creating a sustainable future.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Global warming is becoming a very big problem in our world today. In this essay, I will talk about its causes and some solutions that can help solve this problem.
There are several causes of global warming. First, factories and cars produce a lot of pollution that goes into the air. Second, people cut down too many trees, which is bad because trees help clean the air. Also, impact of air pollution on respiratory health shows how these problems affect people’s health directly.
The government can do many things to help. They can make laws to control pollution from factories and encourage companies to use clean energy like solar power. They can also plant more trees and create better public transport systems. Importance of public awareness in combating climate change is also very important.
People can also help in their daily lives. They can save electricity by turning off lights when not needed. Using buses instead of cars and recycling are also good ways to help. Moreover, people should try to use less plastic and teach their children about protecting the environment.
In conclusion, global warming is caused by both human activities and industrial development. If governments and people work together, we can reduce this problem and make our Earth better.
Vocabulary Analysis
- mitigate (v) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful or severe
- incentivize (v) /ɪnˈsɛntɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- stringent (adj) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – strict, precise, and exacting
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- emissions (n) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something
- renewable (adj) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl/ – able to be replaced naturally
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – able to be maintained at a certain level
Alternative Topics for Practice
- Discuss the impact of global warming on food security
- Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements on climate change
- Analyze the relationship between economic development and environmental protection
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion!