Environmental sustainability has become a pressing global concern, frequently appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on recent trends, questions about encouraging corporations to adopt eco-friendly practices are likely to appear in future exams. Let’s examine a relevant sample question and explore effective approaches to answering it across different band scores.
Some people believe that governments should encourage corporations to adopt eco-friendly practices through tax incentives and subsidies. Others argue that stricter regulations and penalties are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss two contrasting views on how governments can encourage eco-friendly corporate practices
- Present their own opinion on which approach is more effective
- Provide relevant examples and explanations to support their arguments
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Environmental protection is a critical issue that requires active participation from both governments and corporations. While some advocate for positive reinforcement through financial incentives, others believe in a more punitive approach. In my opinion, a balanced combination of both strategies is likely to yield the best results.
Proponents of tax incentives and subsidies argue that these measures can effectively motivate companies to adopt green practices without causing financial strain. For instance, offering tax breaks for investing in renewable energy sources or providing grants for developing eco-friendly technologies can make sustainability initiatives more attractive to businesses. This approach fosters innovation and creates a positive association between environmental responsibility and economic benefits. Tesla’s rapid growth in the electric vehicle market, partly due to government incentives, exemplifies the potential of this strategy.
On the other hand, those in favor of stricter regulations and penalties contend that without consequences, many corporations may prioritize short-term profits over long-term environmental impact. Implementing hefty fines for pollution or mandating specific emission reduction targets can compel companies to take immediate action. The success of plastic bag bans in reducing single-use plastic consumption in countries like Kenya demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach. Moreover, clear regulations create a level playing field, ensuring that all businesses operate under the same environmental standards.
In my view, the most effective approach would be to combine both strategies. Governments should offer incentives to reward and encourage proactive eco-friendly initiatives while simultaneously enforcing regulations to establish a minimum standard of environmental responsibility. This balanced approach addresses both the carrot and stick aspects of motivation, catering to different corporate mindsets and situations. For example, a government could offer tax credits for exceeding emission reduction targets while imposing fines for failing to meet minimum standards.
In conclusion, while both financial incentives and strict regulations have their merits, a comprehensive strategy that incorporates elements of both is likely to be most effective in encouraging corporations to adopt eco-friendly practices. This approach not only motivates businesses to go beyond minimum requirements but also ensures a baseline level of environmental responsibility across all sectors.
Eco-friendly corporate practices: Balancing incentives and regulations
Band 6-7 Essay
Nowadays, many people are concerned about the environment and want companies to be more eco-friendly. There are different opinions on how governments should encourage this. Some think giving money and tax benefits is good, while others believe strict rules and punishments work better. I will discuss both ideas and share my thoughts.
Firstly, some people say that governments should give tax incentives and subsidies to companies that are eco-friendly. This means companies can save money if they do good things for the environment. For example, if a company uses solar panels, they might pay less tax. This can make businesses want to be green because it helps them financially. Also, it can encourage companies to find new ways to be eco-friendly.
On the other hand, other people think strict rules and punishments are better. They say that if there are no consequences, companies might not care about the environment. For instance, if a factory pollutes a river, it should pay a big fine. This can make companies more careful about what they do. It also makes sure all companies follow the same rules, which is fair.
In my opinion, I think both ways are important. Governments should give rewards to companies that do extra good things for the environment. But they should also have clear rules that everyone must follow. This way, companies have a reason to be very eco-friendly, but they also know they must meet certain standards.
To conclude, encouraging companies to be eco-friendly is important for our planet. While some prefer financial incentives and others strict rules, I believe a mix of both approaches is the best way to achieve this goal.
Band 5-6 Essay
In today’s world, many people worry about the environment. They want companies to be more eco-friendly. There are two main ideas about how governments can make this happen. I will talk about both and give my opinion.
Some people think governments should give money and tax benefits to companies that are eco-friendly. This is a good idea because it makes companies want to be green. If they can save money by being eco-friendly, they will do it. For example, if a company uses less electricity, they might pay less tax. This can make businesses happy and help the environment.
Other people think governments should make strict rules and give punishments. They believe this is better because it forces companies to be eco-friendly. If companies know they will get in trouble for polluting, they will be more careful. For example, if a factory puts dirty water in a river, they might have to pay a lot of money. This can stop companies from doing bad things to the environment.
I think both ideas are good. Governments should give rewards to companies that are very eco-friendly. But they should also have rules that all companies must follow. This way, companies will try to be as green as possible, but they will also know what they have to do at minimum.
In conclusion, it’s important to make companies more eco-friendly. I believe using both rewards and rules is the best way to do this. It will help protect our environment for the future.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control
- Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures
- Demonstrates high-level coherence and cohesion
- Contains only minor errors that do not impede communication
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently and there is clear overall progression
- Contains some errors in grammar and punctuation, but they do not impede communication
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary, adequate for the task but with some repetition and inaccuracy
- Uses limited range of structures with some attempt to use complex sentences
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
- Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation that may cause some difficulty for the reader
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˌfrendli/: not harmful to the environment
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: something that encourages a person to do something
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Subsidy (noun) /ˈsʌbsədi/: money given as part of the cost of something, to help or encourage it to happen
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Regulation (noun) /ˌreɡjuˈleɪʃn/: an official rule made by a government or some other authority
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Penalty (noun) /ˈpenəlti/: a punishment for breaking a law, rule, or contract
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃn/: a new idea, method, or device
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Emission (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃn/: the act of producing or sending out something (such as energy or gas) from a source
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Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: acting in advance to deal with an expected difficulty
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Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: including everything or nearly everything
Conclusion
This topic on encouraging eco-friendly corporate practices is highly relevant and likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays that discuss both incentive-based and regulatory approaches, and develop your own opinion on their effectiveness. Consider exploring related topics such as:
- The role of consumers in promoting eco-friendly business practices
- The impact of globalization on environmental regulations
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
Remember to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures while maintaining coherence and clarity in your writing. Practice regularly and don’t hesitate to share your essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement.
