Climate change and its impacts on food and water security have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in recent years and is expected to remain a common theme in future exams due to its global significance. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, focusing on a question that closely mirrors those seen in actual IELTS tests.
Many experts believe that climate change will have a significant impact on global food and water security in the coming decades. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? What measures can be taken to address these potential challenges?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Express their opinion on the impact of climate change on food and water security
- Provide reasons and examples to support their view
- Suggest measures to address potential challenges
It’s crucial to address both parts of the question: the extent of agreement and proposed solutions.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and I strongly agree that it will have profound implications for global food and water security in the coming decades. The interconnected nature of our ecosystem means that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns will significantly affect agricultural productivity and water availability worldwide.
One of the primary ways climate change threatens food security is through its impact on crop yields. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns can lead to reduced harvests, particularly in regions already struggling with food scarcity. For instance, studies have shown that staple crops like wheat and rice could see yield reductions of up to 25% in some areas due to heat stress and water scarcity. Moreover, extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes, which are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, can devastate entire harvests, leading to food shortages and price spikes.
Water security is equally at risk from climate change. Melting glaciers and changing precipitation patterns are altering the availability of freshwater resources in many parts of the world. In some regions, this may lead to increased flooding, while others may face severe droughts. The World Bank estimates that by 2050, up to 5 billion people could be living in areas experiencing water stress. This scarcity not only affects drinking water supplies but also impacts agriculture, which accounts for about 70% of global freshwater use.
To address these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Firstly, there must be a concerted global effort to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable land-use practices. Secondly, adaptation strategies need to be developed and implemented. These could include:
- Investing in climate-resilient agriculture: Developing drought-resistant crop varieties, improving irrigation systems, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
- Enhancing water management: Implementing better water conservation techniques, improving infrastructure to reduce water loss, and exploring innovative technologies like desalination.
- Strengthening early warning systems: Improving weather forecasting and climate modeling to help communities prepare for extreme weather events.
- Promoting international cooperation: Sharing knowledge, technology, and resources to help vulnerable regions adapt to changing conditions.
In conclusion, the impact of climate change on food and water security is likely to be severe and far-reaching. However, by taking decisive action now to both mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects, we can work towards ensuring a more secure and sustainable future for all.
(Word count: 398)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates the qualities expected of a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a clear position, well-developed ideas, and relevant solutions.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically linked.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “profound implications,” “interconnected nature,” “unpredictable weather patterns,” and “multi-faceted approach.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately. It demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-supported with specific examples and explanations, showing a deep understanding of the topic.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
I agree that climate change will have a big impact on food and water security in the future. This is because our weather is changing, which affects how we grow food and get water.
Climate change is making it harder to grow food in many places. When it gets too hot or there isn’t enough rain, crops don’t grow well. This means we might not have enough food for everyone. For example, some farmers are already seeing smaller harvests because of unusual weather. Also, when there are big storms or floods, it can destroy all the crops in an area.
Water is also becoming a problem because of climate change. In some places, there isn’t enough rain, so rivers and lakes are drying up. This makes it hard for people to find clean water to drink. In other areas, there’s too much rain, which can cause flooding and make water dirty. Both of these problems make it difficult for people to get the water they need.
To solve these problems, we need to do several things:
- Use better farming methods: We should find ways to grow crops that don’t need as much water and can survive in hotter weather.
- Save water: People should learn to use less water and find ways to collect and store rainwater.
- Protect the environment: We need to stop cutting down forests and polluting the air, which makes climate change worse.
- Work together: Countries should share ideas and help each other deal with food and water problems.
In conclusion, climate change is a serious problem that will affect our food and water. We need to take action now to protect our resources and make sure everyone has enough to eat and drink in the future.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses the main parts of the task, providing a clear position and some solutions. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some linking words are used, but they could be more varied.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with some attempt at using less common words. However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development and Support: Main points are supported with examples, but these could be more specific and detailed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
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Water scarcity (noun) /ˈwɔːtə ˈskeəsəti/ – The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet water needs within a region.
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Agricultural productivity (noun phrase) /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ – A measurement of the amount of agricultural output produced for a given amount of inputs.
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Climate-resilient (adjective) /ˈklaɪmət rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions caused by climate change.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Adaptation strategies (noun phrase) /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn ˈstrætədʒiz/ – Plans or approaches to adjust to new conditions, especially in response to climate change.
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Sustainable practices (noun phrase) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – Methods of using a resource so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged.
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Extreme weather events (noun phrase) /ɪkˈstriːm ˈweðər ɪˈvents/ – Unexpected, unusual, severe, or unseasonal weather at the extremes of the historical distribution.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Desalination (noun) /diːˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/ – The process of removing salt from seawater to make it suitable for human consumption or irrigation.
Conclusion
Climate change and its effects on food and water security remain critical topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you’ve seen from the sample essays, this subject allows for discussion of various aspects, from agricultural impacts to global cooperation. To prepare for potential questions on this theme, consider practicing with prompts such as:
- How can technology help address food and water security issues caused by climate change?
- Should developed countries be more responsible for solving global food and water security problems? Why or why not?
- Discuss the potential long-term consequences of ignoring climate change’s impact on food and water resources.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, provide relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice writing essays on this topic and feel free to share your attempts in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.