Questions about corporate environmental responsibility have appeared frequently in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in the last 5 years. Based on analysis of past exam topics, this theme has a high probability of appearing in future tests, especially given growing global concerns about climate change and sustainability.
Analysis of Topic and Question Type
Some people believe that corporations should focus solely on making profits, while others argue they have a responsibility to protect the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question follows a common IELTS format requiring candidates to:
- Discuss multiple perspectives
- Express and justify a personal opinion
- Consider environmental and economic aspects
Corporate environmental responsibility discussion in IELTS Writing Task 2
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8)
In today’s globalized economy, there is ongoing debate about whether businesses should prioritize profitability or environmental stewardship. While both perspectives have merit, I believe corporations must balance profit-making with environmental protection.
Those who advocate for profit-focused business operations argue that a company’s primary obligation is to its shareholders and employees. They contend that profitable corporations create jobs, drive economic growth, and generate tax revenue that benefits society. Moreover, they suggest that government regulations, not corporate initiatives, should address environmental concerns.
However, proponents of corporate environmental responsibility present compelling counterarguments. They emphasize that businesses consume natural resources and often contribute significantly to pollution and environmental degradation. Large corporations, in particular, have the resources and technological capabilities to implement sustainable practices. Furthermore, environmentally conscious operations often lead to long-term cost savings and enhanced brand reputation.
In my view, corporations must integrate environmental protection into their business models. The false dichotomy between profitability and sustainability no longer holds in our environmentally conscious world. Companies that adopt sustainable practices often gain competitive advantages through reduced operational costs, improved public image, and increased customer loyalty. For instance, many Asian manufacturing companies have successfully implemented waste reduction programs that simultaneously cut expenses and reduce environmental impact.
Looking ahead, I believe corporate environmental responsibility will become increasingly crucial for business success. Companies that fail to address environmental concerns risk reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and loss of market share. Therefore, the most successful businesses will be those that effectively balance profit generation with environmental stewardship.
Sustainable business practices leading to corporate success
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
There are different opinions about whether companies should only focus on making money or also protect the environment. I think both making profit and protecting environment are important for companies.
Some people think companies should only make profits. They say this is the main purpose of business and companies need money to pay workers and grow bigger. Also, if companies spend too much money on environment protection, they might not survive in competition with other companies.
On the other hand, many people believe companies must help protect environment. Big companies often cause pollution and damage to nature, so they should take responsibility to fix these problems. Also, many customers now prefer to buy products from companies that care about environment.
In my opinion, companies can make profits while also protecting environment. Many successful companies show this is possible. For example, some factories in China have started using clean energy and recycling systems. These changes help them save money and also protect nature.
I think in the future, more companies will need to care about environment because governments make strict rules about pollution. Also, more customers want to buy from companies that protect nature. So companies should try to do both – make profits and protect environment.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Analysis:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “stewardship,” “dichotomy,” “degradation”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear paragraph organization
- Well-developed arguments with examples
- Cohesive devices used effectively
- Natural academic style
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some repetition of ideas
- Limited use of complex language
- Adequate organization
- Basic examples provided
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Environmental stewardship (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/ – responsible use and protection of nature
- Sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain ecological balance
- Degradation (n) /ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of environmental conditions
- Dichotomy (n) /daɪˈkɒtəmi/ – division into two opposing parts
- Implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃn/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- Stakeholders (n) /ˈsteɪkˌhəʊldəz/ – people affected by business decisions
- Corporate initiative (n) /ˈkɔːpərət ɪˈnɪʃətɪv/ – action taken by a company
- Regulatory compliance (n) /ˌregjʊˈleɪtəri kəmˈplaɪəns/ – following environmental laws
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing this question from a unique perspective, perhaps focusing on environmental initiatives in your country. Share your practice essay in the comments for feedback and discussion.
