Environmental issues and climate change remain highly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 30% of recent exam questions. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, these themes are likely to continue featuring prominently. Let’s examine a frequently tested question type on environmental responsibility.
Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individuals to solve, and only governments and large companies can make a difference. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analysis of Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on individual vs institutional responsibility
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Consider both individual actions and governmental/corporate measures
- Provide a balanced discussion while maintaining their stance
Individual and institutional environmental responsibilities comparison
Band 9 Sample Essay (290 words)
While governments and corporations undoubtedly have substantial resources to address environmental challenges, I strongly disagree with the notion that environmental problems are beyond individual influence. I believe that both personal actions and institutional measures are crucial for environmental protection.
Individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can create significant positive impact. For instance, if every person in a city of one million reduced their plastic consumption by just 1kg annually, this would result in 1,000 tonnes less plastic waste each year. Similarly, personal choices about transportation, diet, and energy usage directly influence carbon emissions. These individual decisions, collectively, drive market demands and influence corporate behavior.
Nevertheless, governmental and corporate involvement is essential for systemic change. Governments can implement crucial environmental regulations, invest in renewable energy infrastructure, and create incentives for sustainable practices. Large companies, with their extensive resources and reach, can develop eco-friendly technologies and establish sustainable supply chains. However, these institutional efforts become more effective when supported by individual awareness and action.
The synergy between individual and institutional efforts is what truly drives environmental progress. When citizens actively participate in recycling programs, this makes municipal waste management more efficient. When consumers prefer sustainable products, companies are motivated to adopt greener practices. Therefore, rather than viewing environmental responsibility as either individual or institutional, we should recognize it as a collaborative effort requiring participation at all levels.
Environmental action synergy between individuals and institutions
Band 7 Sample Essay (275 words)
In my opinion, while governments and large companies play a major role in solving environmental problems, individual actions are also important and necessary. I partially disagree with the statement that environmental issues are too big for individuals to solve.
Firstly, governments and big companies have significant power to make environmental changes. They can create and enforce laws about pollution, invest in clean energy, and develop new technologies to protect the environment. For example, when governments set strict rules about factory emissions, this helps reduce air pollution more effectively than individual actions alone.
However, individual actions are also very important. When many people make small changes in their daily lives, like using less plastic or saving electricity, these actions add up to make a big difference. Additionally, individuals can influence companies by choosing eco-friendly products and can pressure governments to take environmental action through voting and activism.
I believe the best solution comes from combining both individual and institutional efforts. When people recycle at home and companies provide good recycling facilities, this creates better results than either group working alone. Also, individual awareness often leads to support for environmental policies, which helps governments make bigger changes.
To conclude, while big organizations have more resources to tackle environmental problems, individual actions are still valuable and necessary. The most effective approach is when everyone – individuals, governments, and companies – works together to protect the environment.
Vocabulary Analysis
- systemic (adj) /sɪˈstemɪk/ – affecting an entire system
- synergy (n) /ˈsɪnədʒi/ – combined effect greater than the sum of separate effects
- municipal (adj) /mjuːˈnɪsɪpl/ – relating to a city or town
- emissions (n) /ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – substances released into the air
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- activism (n) /ˈæktɪvɪzəm/ – using direct action to support or oppose a cause
- eco-friendly (adj) /ˈiːkəʊ ˌfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
Additional Practice Topics
- The role of education in environmental awareness
- Impact of technology on environmental protection
- International cooperation in addressing climate change
- Sustainable urban development challenges
Feel free to practice writing an essay on the main topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion.
