Extreme weather events and climate change have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global concern over environmental issues, it’s highly likely that questions related to this theme will continue to appear frequently in future tests. To help you prepare effectively, let’s analyze a relevant question and explore sample essays across different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider this IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that climate change is the main cause of extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods. Others think that human activities such as deforestation and pollution are to blame. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that climate change is the primary cause of extreme weather events.
- Discuss the view that human activities like deforestation and pollution are responsible.
- Provide your own opinion on the matter.
Remember to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while expressing your perspective.
Sample Essay (Band 8)
Climate change and human activities are often cited as the primary culprits behind the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While both factors undoubtedly contribute to this phenomenon, I believe that they are intrinsically linked, with human activities exacerbating climate change, which in turn leads to more severe weather occurrences.
Those who argue that climate change is the main cause of extreme weather events point to the overwhelming scientific evidence linking global warming to more frequent and intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts. As the Earth’s average temperature rises, it alters weather patterns and increases the likelihood of extreme events. For instance, warmer oceans provide more energy for hurricanes to form and intensify, while altered atmospheric circulation can lead to prolonged droughts or excessive rainfall in different regions.
On the other hand, proponents of the view that human activities are directly responsible for extreme weather events emphasize the immediate impact of actions like deforestation and pollution. Deforestation reduces the Earth’s natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas, while also altering local weather patterns. Similarly, pollution, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases from industrial activities and transportation, directly contributes to the warming of the atmosphere and oceans.
In my opinion, these two perspectives are not mutually exclusive but rather interconnected. Human activities, such as deforestation and pollution, are the primary drivers of climate change, which in turn leads to more extreme weather events. This creates a feedback loop where our actions worsen climate change, resulting in more severe weather, which can further damage ecosystems and exacerbate the problem. Therefore, addressing the root cause – human activities – is crucial in mitigating both climate change and the resulting extreme weather events.
To tackle this issue effectively, a multi-faceted approach is needed. This should include stricter regulations on industrial emissions, investment in renewable energy sources, and large-scale reforestation efforts. Additionally, raising public awareness about the connection between our daily activities and their long-term environmental impact is essential for fostering sustainable behaviors.
In conclusion, while climate change and human activities both contribute to extreme weather events, they are inextricably linked, with human actions driving climate change and subsequently more severe weather patterns. Recognizing this connection is vital for developing comprehensive strategies to address this pressing global challenge.
(Word count: 377)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion. It provides a nuanced perspective that links the two views.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices are used effectively throughout.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Complex ideas are expressed with precision, such as “intrinsically linked” and “exacerbating climate change.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. Complex sentences are handled with confidence, and there are no noticeable errors.
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Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations, showing a deep understanding of the topic.
Sample Essay (Band 7)
The increasing frequency of extreme weather events has led to debates about their primary cause. While some attribute these occurrences mainly to climate change, others argue that human activities like deforestation and pollution are the root cause. In my view, both factors play significant roles in this issue.
Those who believe climate change is the main culprit point to scientific evidence showing a correlation between global warming and severe weather patterns. As the Earth’s temperature rises, it affects atmospheric conditions, leading to more intense hurricanes, floods, and droughts. For example, warmer oceans provide more energy for hurricanes to form and strengthen, resulting in more destructive storms.
On the other hand, proponents of human activities being the primary cause emphasize the direct impact of deforestation and pollution. Deforestation reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, and alters local weather patterns. Pollution, especially from industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust, contributes to the warming of the atmosphere and oceans, which can trigger extreme weather events.
In my opinion, both climate change and human activities contribute significantly to the increase in extreme weather events. However, I believe that human activities are the underlying cause, as they accelerate climate change, which in turn leads to more severe weather. This creates a cycle where our actions worsen climate change, resulting in more extreme weather, which can further damage the environment.
To address this issue, we need to tackle both aspects. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy, and implementing reforestation programs. Additionally, raising awareness about how our daily actions impact the environment is crucial for promoting sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while both climate change and human activities contribute to extreme weather events, they are interconnected, with human actions driving climate change and subsequently more severe weather patterns. Recognizing this relationship is essential for developing effective solutions to this global challenge.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas could be developed more fully compared to the Band 8 essay.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized and ideas are logically sequenced. Cohesive devices are used, though not always with the sophistication of a Band 8 essay.
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Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some less common items. However, it lacks the precision and sophistication of vocabulary found in the Band 8 essay.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used effectively. There are no significant errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 8 essay.
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Development and Support: Main points are extended and supported, but not always with the depth and specificity seen in the Band 8 essay.
Sample Essay (Band 6)
Nowadays, extreme weather events like hurricanes and floods are happening more often. Some people think climate change is the main reason for this, while others believe human activities such as cutting down forests and pollution are to blame. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who say climate change is the main cause of extreme weather point to scientific research. They say that as the Earth gets warmer, it changes weather patterns and makes storms stronger. For example, when oceans are warmer, hurricanes can become bigger and more dangerous. Also, climate change can cause some places to have more rain and floods, while other areas might have less rain and more droughts.
On the other hand, some people think human activities are more responsible for extreme weather. They argue that cutting down forests removes trees that help control the climate. Also, pollution from factories and cars puts harmful gases into the air, which makes the Earth warmer. These actions directly affect the weather and can cause more extreme events.
In my opinion, both climate change and human activities play a part in causing extreme weather. However, I think human activities are the bigger problem because they are making climate change happen faster. When we cut down trees and pollute the air, it makes the Earth warmer, which then causes more extreme weather. This creates a cycle that keeps getting worse.
To solve this problem, we need to do several things. We should use less energy from fossil fuels and more from clean sources like solar and wind power. We also need to plant more trees and stop cutting down forests. It’s important for everyone to learn about how their actions affect the environment so we can all make better choices.
In conclusion, while both climate change and human activities contribute to extreme weather, I believe human actions are the main cause because they speed up climate change. We need to address both issues to reduce extreme weather events in the future.
(Word count: 329)
Explanation of Band 6 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6 score for the following reasons:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the development of ideas is less thorough compared to Band 7 and 8 essays.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear overall structure, but paragraphing and use of cohesive devices are less sophisticated than higher band essays.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but lacks the range and precision of higher band essays. There is some repetition and less sophisticated word choices.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Simple sentences are accurate, but there is less variety in sentence structures compared to Band 7 and 8 essays.
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Development and Support: Main points are present but not always fully extended or supported with specific examples.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Extreme weather events (noun phrase) – /ɪkˈstriːm ˈwɛðər ɪˈvɛnts/ – Unusually severe or unseasonal weather occurrences.
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Climate change (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alterations in global weather patterns.
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Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃən/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
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Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – To make a problem or situation worse.
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Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity or seriousness of something.
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Greenhouse gases (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Atmospheric circulation (noun phrase) – /ˌætməsˈferɪk ˌsɜːkjʊˈleɪʃən/ – The large-scale movement of air in the Earth’s atmosphere.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.
Conclusion
Understanding the connection between extreme weather events and climate change is crucial for success in IELTS Writing Task 2. By analyzing the sample essays and explanations provided, you can see how to approach this topic at different band levels. Remember to address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or on related themes such as:
- The impact of climate change on agriculture and food security
- The role of international cooperation in addressing climate change
- The economic consequences of extreme weather events
Feel free to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you develop the skills needed to excel in your IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- How Climate Change Affects Extreme Weather Events
- Climate Change’s Impact on Agricultural Productivity
- Impact of Climate Change on Public Health Systems
Remember, consistent practice and familiarity with a wide range of environmental topics will significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 2. Good luck with your preparation!