IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change’s Effect on Global Migration – Sample Essays and Analysis for Different Band Scores

Climate change and its impact on global migration patterns is a topic of increasing importance in the IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared in various forms in past exams and is likely to continue being a relevant issue in future tests. Its complexity and global significance make it an ideal topic for assessing candidates’ ability to analyze, argue, and present coherent ideas on contemporary issues.

Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question that addresses this theme:

Climate change is causing rising sea levels and increasing desertification. How can governments and individuals work together to solve the problems caused by the displacement of millions of people?

Analysis of the Question

This question focuses on two major effects of climate change: rising sea levels and increasing desertification. Both of these phenomena are causing the displacement of millions of people, creating a global migration crisis. The task requires candidates to discuss how governments and individuals can collaborate to address the issues arising from this mass displacement.

Key points to consider:

1. The causes: Climate change leading to rising sea levels and desertification
2. The effect: Displacement of millions of people
3. The solution: Collaboration between governments and individuals
4. The scope: Addressing problems caused by the displacement

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, with its far-reaching consequences affecting millions of lives worldwide. The rising sea levels and expanding deserts are forcing countless communities to abandon their homes, creating an unprecedented wave of climate refugees. This essay will explore how governments and individuals can work in tandem to mitigate the problems arising from this mass displacement.

Governments play a crucial role in addressing this global crisis through policy-making and international cooperation. Firstly, they should invest in climate change mitigation strategies to slow down the rate of sea-level rise and desertification. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions, and protecting and restoring natural carbon sinks like forests and wetlands. Secondly, governments need to develop comprehensive relocation plans for affected communities, ensuring that displaced people have access to adequate housing, employment opportunities, and social services in their new locations. International cooperation is vital in this aspect, as countries less affected by climate change should be willing to accept and support climate refugees.

Individuals, too, have a significant part to play in this collective effort. On a personal level, people can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting environmentally friendly practices such as using public transport, reducing energy consumption, and choosing sustainable products. Moreover, individuals can contribute to community-level initiatives that support displaced populations. This could involve volunteering for organizations that assist refugees, participating in local integration programs, or even offering temporary housing to displaced families.

The synergy between governmental actions and individual efforts is key to effectively tackling this complex issue. Governments can create awareness campaigns and educational programs to inform citizens about the plight of climate refugees and how they can help. In turn, an engaged and informed populace can push for more robust climate policies and support governmental initiatives through democratic processes.

In conclusion, the displacement of millions due to climate change is a monumental challenge that requires a coordinated response from both governments and individuals. By combining top-down policy approaches with grassroots efforts, we can create a more resilient and compassionate global community capable of adapting to the realities of climate-induced migration. The success of these combined efforts will not only address the immediate needs of displaced populations but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of our planet.

(Word count: 374)

Climate change causing global migration

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response

Climate change is a big problem in the world today. It is making sea levels go up and turning more land into deserts. This is forcing many people to leave their homes. In this essay, I will talk about how governments and people can work together to help solve the problems caused by so many people moving.

Governments have a lot of power to help with this problem. They can make laws to reduce pollution and slow down climate change. This might help stop sea levels from rising so quickly. Governments can also make plans to help people who have to move. They can build new houses and create jobs in safe places. It’s important for countries to work together because some countries will have more climate refugees than others.

Individuals can also do many things to help. People can try to use less energy and produce less pollution in their daily lives. This can help slow down climate change. People can also be kind to refugees who come to their communities. They can help them feel welcome and maybe even offer them a place to stay for a while.

Governments and individuals need to work together to solve this big problem. Governments can teach people about climate change and how to help refugees. People can then support good government policies and vote for leaders who care about these issues.

To conclude, the problem of people having to move because of climate change is very serious. It needs both governments and individuals to work hard to find solutions. If we all do our part, we can help make life better for people who have to leave their homes because of rising seas and growing deserts.

(Word count: 292)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent command of the English language and addresses all parts of the task fully. Here’s why it achieves a high band score:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: It uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates a generally effective command of the English language but with some limitations. Here’s why it achieves a mid-range band score:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some parts are more fully covered than others. The ideas are relevant but could be more fully extended and supported.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are not as well-linked as in the higher band essay. Cohesive devices are used but not always effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: It uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There are some attempts at more sophisticated vocabulary, but with occasional inaccuracy.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Climate refugees (noun) /ˈklaɪmət ˌrefjʊˌdʒiːz/ – People forced to leave their homes due to climate change effects.

2. Desertification (noun) /dɪˌzɜːtɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The process by which fertile land becomes desert.

3. Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.

4. Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of moving someone or something from its usual place.

5. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of one’s activities.

6. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.

7. Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – The interaction of two or more agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.

Conclusion

The topic of climate change’s effect on global migration is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its ongoing global significance. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with these potential topics:

1. The economic impact of climate-induced migration on host countries.
2. The role of international organizations in managing climate refugee crises.
3. The challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the face of climate-induced displacement.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address all parts of the question, organize your ideas logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments.

We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active approach to learning can significantly improve your writing skills and prepare you better for the IELTS exam.