Environmental issues have become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 topics over the past few years. Based on analysis of recent exam patterns, questions comparing international and national approaches to tackling environmental problems are likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past exams:
Some people believe that solving environmental issues should be a global responsibility, while others think it is better for each country to handle its own environmental problems. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that environmental issues should be solved globally
- Discuss the view that countries should handle their own environmental problems
- Provide their own opinion on which approach is better
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Environmental protection has become a pressing concern worldwide, sparking debate on whether it should be tackled globally or nationally. While both approaches have merit, I believe a combination of international cooperation and country-specific initiatives is the most effective strategy.
Those who advocate for global responsibility argue that environmental issues transcend national borders. Climate change, for instance, affects the entire planet regardless of where greenhouse gases are emitted. International bodies like the United Nations can coordinate efforts, set universal standards, and pool resources to address these challenges more effectively. The Paris Agreement exemplifies how global cooperation can lead to comprehensive action plans and shared targets for reducing carbon emissions.
On the other hand, proponents of national-level solutions contend that each country faces unique environmental challenges requiring tailored approaches. A nation’s geography, economic structure, and cultural practices significantly influence its environmental issues and the feasibility of various solutions. For example, while deforestation may be a critical concern in Brazil, water scarcity might be the primary environmental threat in Middle Eastern countries. Allowing each nation to develop and implement its own environmental policies ensures that solutions are contextually appropriate and more likely to gain public support.
In my opinion, the most effective approach combines both global and national efforts. International cooperation is essential for addressing transboundary issues, setting global standards, and sharing knowledge and technologies. Simultaneously, individual countries must take responsibility for implementing these global agreements and developing localized solutions. This dual approach ensures that global objectives are met while allowing for the flexibility needed to address country-specific environmental challenges.
To illustrate, consider the issue of plastic pollution in oceans. A global framework like the UN’s Clean Seas campaign can set overarching goals and facilitate knowledge sharing. However, the specific measures to reduce plastic waste – such as banning single-use plastics or implementing recycling programs – are best designed and enforced at the national or even local level, taking into account local consumption patterns and waste management capabilities.
In conclusion, while environmental issues require global attention and cooperation, their successful resolution ultimately depends on balanced action at both international and national levels. This integrated approach allows for comprehensive strategies that are both globally coordinated and locally relevant, maximizing the chances of effectively addressing our planet’s environmental challenges.
Diagram illustrating global and national environmental cooperation
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas flow logically throughout the essay.
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately. Key terms and phrases are highlighted in bold.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Examples: The essay provides relevant examples to support arguments, such as the Paris Agreement and the UN’s Clean Seas campaign.
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Balanced Argument: The writer presents a nuanced view, acknowledging the merits of both approaches before presenting a balanced conclusion.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Environmental problems are becoming more serious in many countries. Some people think these issues should be solved globally, while others believe each country should deal with its own problems. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On one hand, solving environmental issues globally can be more effective. Many environmental problems, like air pollution and global warming, affect the whole world. If countries work together, they can share knowledge and resources to find better solutions. For example, the Paris Agreement is a global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This kind of international cooperation can help tackle big environmental challenges.
On the other hand, some people think each country should handle its own environmental problems. Every country has different environmental issues and different ways to solve them. For instance, a country with a lot of forests might focus on preventing deforestation, while a country with many factories might concentrate on reducing industrial pollution. If each country takes care of its own problems, the solutions can be more specific and suitable for that country’s situation.
In my opinion, both global and national approaches are important for solving environmental problems. Some issues, like climate change, need global cooperation because they affect the whole planet. However, each country also needs to take responsibility for its own environmental problems and find solutions that work best for its specific situation.
To conclude, while global efforts are necessary for tackling worldwide environmental issues, individual countries must also address their unique environmental challenges. A combination of international cooperation and national action is the best way to protect our environment.
Illustration of global vs national approaches to environmental issues
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates good writing skills but has some areas for improvement:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, but the discussion could be more in-depth.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied 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 accuracy.
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Examples: The essay provides some examples, but they could be more detailed and specific.
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Development of Ideas: While the main points are present, they could be elaborated further with more specific details or examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- environmental issues (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪʃuːz/ – problems or concerns related to the environment
- global responsibility (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – the duty of all nations to address worldwide problems
- transcend (verb) – /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the limits of something
- comprehensive (adjective) – /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- tailored approaches (noun phrase) – /ˈteɪləd əˈprəʊtʃɪz/ – strategies or solutions customized for specific situations
- transboundary issues (noun phrase) – /trænzˈbaʊndəri ˈɪʃuːz/ – problems that affect or concern multiple countries
- overarching (adjective) – /ˌəʊvərˈɑːtʃɪŋ/ – comprehensive or all-embracing
- consumption patterns (noun phrase) – /kənˈsʌmpʃn ˈpætnz/ – the way in which people use or consume resources
- integrated approach (noun phrase) – /ˈɪntɪɡreɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – a strategy that combines different methods or ideas
- deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
Conclusion
The topic of environmental issues and the debate between global and national approaches is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on similar topics, such as:
- The role of international organizations in solving global environmental problems
- The effectiveness of local vs. global environmental policies
- The balance between economic development and environmental protection in developing countries
Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
