Climate change has consistently appeared as a major topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, reflecting its global significance. Based on analysis of past exams and current trends, questions about climate change have appeared in approximately 15% of tests since 2019, making it a high-priority topic for IELTS candidates. Let’s examine a frequently tested question format and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Task Analysis: Climate Change Essay Question
Some people believe that climate change is primarily caused by human activities, while others think natural factors are more responsible. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question type requires candidates to:
- Examine two opposing viewpoints about climate change causes
- Support each perspective with relevant examples
- Present and justify their own position
- Provide potential solutions or recommendations
As climate change continues to affect climate change’s effect on global migration, understanding its various aspects becomes increasingly important for IELTS candidates.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Climate change has become one of the most debated environmental issues, with differing views on its primary causes. While some attribute it mainly to human activities, others argue that natural processes play a more significant role. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who emphasize human responsibility point to industrial activities and modern lifestyle choices as the main drivers of climate change. The massive increase in greenhouse gas emissions from factories, vehicles, and the role of renewable energy in reducing climate change has led to unprecedented atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Furthermore, deforestation and urbanization have reduced the Earth’s natural capacity to absorb these emissions.
Conversely, proponents of natural causes argue that the Earth has experienced climate fluctuations throughout its history. They cite volcanic eruptions, solar radiation variations, and natural orbital changes as significant factors affecting global temperature patterns. These natural phenomena have caused ice ages and warm periods long before human industrialization.
In my opinion, while natural factors contribute to climate variations, human activities are predominantly responsible for the current rapid climate change. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly shows that the rate of global warming has accelerated dramatically since the Industrial Revolution, correlating directly with human-generated greenhouse gas emissions.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Climate change is a big problem in today’s world, and people have different ideas about what causes it. Some say humans are the main reason, while others think natural causes are more important. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Many people believe humans cause most climate change. They say that when we burn fossil fuels in factories and cars, we produce too much CO2. Also, when we cut down forests, we remove trees that could help absorb these gases. As discussed in articles about how to promote public awareness of climate change, these human activities are making the Earth warmer.
However, other people think natural causes are more important. They point out that the Earth’s climate has always changed naturally. Volcanoes can release gases that affect temperature, and the sun’s energy can change over time. These things happened before humans started using machines.
I think both humans and nature affect climate change, but humans are causing more problems now. The speed of climate change has increased a lot since we started using more machines and factories. Therefore, we need to reduce pollution and protect forests to solve this problem.
Key Vocabulary for Climate Change Essays
- greenhouse gas emissions (n.) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – gases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere
- anthropogenic (adj.) /ˌænθrəpəˈdʒenɪk/ – caused by human activities
- mitigation (n.) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – reducing the severity of something
- carbon footprint (n.) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – total amount of greenhouse gases produced
- sustainability (n.) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain ecological balance
Conclusion
Climate change remains a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions may focus on specific aspects such as:
- Solutions to reduce carbon emissions
- Impact of climate change on developing countries
- Role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
Practice writing essays on these topics and share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and improvement.