Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and business ethics have become increasingly important topics in recent years, reflecting a growing awareness of the impact that businesses have on society and the environment. This trend is mirrored in IELTS Writing Task 2, where questions related to corporate ethics and social responsibility are appearing more frequently. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see questions on this topic in future tests.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question and explore how to approach it effectively with sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that companies should be required by law to take responsibility for the environmental damage they cause. Others argue that this should be optional. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. It requires you to:
- Present arguments for mandatory environmental responsibility
- Present arguments for voluntary environmental responsibility
- Provide your personal stance on the issue
The topic directly relates to corporate social responsibility and business ethics, focusing specifically on environmental impact. This is a complex issue that allows for nuanced discussion of legal, economic, and ethical considerations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Introduction
The environmental impact of corporate activities has become a pressing concern in recent years, sparking debate about the extent to which companies should be held accountable for their ecological footprint. While some advocate for legally mandated environmental responsibility, others argue that such measures should remain voluntary. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Body Paragraph 1
Proponents of legally enforced environmental responsibility argue that without strict regulations, many companies will prioritize profits over environmental stewardship. They contend that voluntary measures are often insufficient, as evidenced by numerous cases of corporate negligence leading to ecological disasters. Mandatory requirements, they argue, create a level playing field for all businesses and ensure that environmental costs are internalized rather than externalized onto society. Moreover, legal mandates can drive innovation in green technologies and sustainable practices, ultimately benefiting both the environment and the economy.
Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, those who favor optional environmental responsibility maintain that excessive regulation can stifle economic growth and innovation. They argue that companies are already incentivized to adopt environmentally friendly practices due to consumer demand and reputational concerns. Voluntary initiatives, they claim, allow for more flexible and context-specific approaches to sustainability, fostering creativity and efficiency. Furthermore, they contend that mandatory measures may disproportionately burden small businesses and startups, potentially hampering economic dynamism and job creation.
Body Paragraph 3
In my view, while voluntary measures have their merits, the urgency of our environmental challenges necessitates a more robust approach. I believe that a balanced framework of mandatory baseline requirements complemented by incentives for voluntary initiatives beyond compliance would be most effective. This approach would ensure a minimum standard of environmental responsibility across all businesses while still encouraging innovation and leadership in sustainability. Additionally, such a framework could be designed to accommodate different industry sectors and company sizes, mitigating concerns about disproportionate impacts on smaller enterprises.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both mandatory and voluntary approaches to corporate environmental responsibility have their advocates, I believe a hybrid model that combines legal requirements with incentives for voluntary action offers the best path forward. This balanced approach would help safeguard our environment while still fostering innovation and economic growth. As we face increasingly urgent ecological challenges, it is crucial that we find ways to align business interests with environmental stewardship for the benefit of all.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Introduction
The question of whether companies should be legally required to take responsibility for environmental damage or if it should be optional is a complex issue. This essay will discuss both views and provide my opinion.
Body Paragraph 1
Those who support mandatory environmental responsibility argue that many companies won’t care about the environment unless they are forced to by law. They say that voluntary measures are not enough because some businesses only care about making money. Legal requirements would make sure all companies do their part to protect the environment, not just the ones that choose to do so.
Body Paragraph 2
On the other hand, people who think environmental responsibility should be optional believe that too many laws can hurt businesses, especially small ones. They argue that companies will naturally become more environmentally friendly because customers want them to be. They also say that voluntary actions allow companies to find creative ways to be green that might work better than following strict rules.
Body Paragraph 3
In my opinion, I think there should be some laws to make sure companies don’t harm the environment too much, but also some freedom for them to go beyond what’s required. This way, we can protect the environment while still allowing businesses to grow and come up with new ideas. I believe this balanced approach would be best for both the environment and the economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are good arguments on both sides, I believe a mix of mandatory and voluntary measures would be the most effective way to address corporate environmental responsibility. This approach would help protect the environment while still allowing businesses to thrive and innovate.
Explaining the Score Differences
The two sample essays above demonstrate different levels of writing skill and approach to the question, resulting in different band scores.
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response. Presents a clear position throughout the essay.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Uses a range of cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others. Position is clear but may not be fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression. Uses some cohesive devices effectively.
- Lexical Resource: Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice or spelling, but these do not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. There are some errors, but these rarely reduce communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) (noun): A company’s commitment to manage its business operations ethically and sustainably while contributing positively to society.
Pronunciation: /ˌkɔːrpərət ˌsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ -
Environmental stewardship (noun): The responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːədʃɪp/ -
Ecological footprint (noun): The impact of a person or organization’s activities on the environment, especially in terms of resource consumption and pollution.
Pronunciation: /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ -
Sustainability (noun): The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time, especially in terms of avoiding depletion of natural resources.
Pronunciation: /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ -
Internalize (verb): To incorporate (an external cost or benefit) into the internal costs or decision-making of a business or organization.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɜːrnəlaɪz/ -
Green technology (noun): Technology that is environmentally friendly and often energy-efficient.
Pronunciation: /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/ -
Incentivize (verb): To motivate or encourage someone to do something by offering a reward.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ -
Compliance (noun): The action or state of complying with a wish, command, or regulation.
Pronunciation: /kəmˈplaɪəns/ -
Ecological challenges (noun phrase): Difficulties or problems related to the environment and ecosystems.
Pronunciation: /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ -
Stakeholder (noun): A person or group with an interest or concern in a business or organization.
Pronunciation: /ˈsteɪkhəʊldə/
In conclusion, the topic of ethics in corporate social responsibility is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of businesses in addressing climate change
- Balancing profit and social responsibility in the corporate world
- The impact of consumer choices on corporate behavior
- Government regulations vs. market forces in promoting corporate ethics
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.