Climate change is a pressing global issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. The topic of “global cooperation for climate” has been a recurring theme in recent years, and its relevance is only expected to grow. Based on an analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we can anticipate that questions related to international collaboration in addressing climate change will continue to be prominent in future tests.
Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this important theme:
Some people believe that global cooperation is crucial for addressing climate change, while others think individual countries should be responsible for their own environmental policies. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that global cooperation is essential for tackling climate change
- Explore the perspective that individual countries should manage their own environmental policies
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s important to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before concluding with your own standpoint.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over how to address it effectively has led to two main schools of thought. While some argue that global cooperation is indispensable in combating this worldwide phenomenon, others contend that individual nations should bear the responsibility for their own environmental policies. In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, a collaborative global effort is ultimately necessary to achieve meaningful results.
Proponents of global cooperation argue that climate change is a transboundary issue that requires a unified approach. They maintain that greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts do not respect national borders, making it imperative for countries to work together. This perspective is supported by international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise through collective action. Moreover, global cooperation allows for the sharing of resources, technology, and expertise, particularly benefiting developing nations that may lack the means to implement effective climate policies independently.
On the other hand, advocates for individual country responsibility argue that each nation has unique environmental challenges and economic circumstances. They contend that allowing countries to tailor their policies to their specific needs would result in more effective and implementable solutions. This approach also respects the sovereignty of nations and their right to manage their own affairs. Additionally, it could foster healthy competition among countries to develop innovative environmental solutions, potentially leading to more rapid advancements in green technology.
In my view, while there is value in countries taking ownership of their environmental policies, the global nature of climate change necessitates a coordinated international response. The most effective approach would be a hybrid model that combines global cooperation with individual country initiatives. This could involve setting overarching global targets and frameworks through international agreements, while allowing countries flexibility in how they achieve these goals based on their unique circumstances.
In conclusion, addressing climate change requires a delicate balance between global cooperation and individual country responsibility. While nations should have the autonomy to develop policies suited to their specific contexts, the interconnected nature of our planet’s climate system makes international collaboration indispensable. Only through a concerted global effort, combined with tailored national strategies, can we hope to mitigate the impacts of climate change effectively.
(Word count: 367)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Climate change is a big problem in the world today, and people have different ideas about how to solve it. Some think that countries need to work together, while others believe each country should handle its own environmental issues. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support global cooperation say that climate change affects everyone, so we all need to work together. They believe that if countries join forces, they can share ideas and resources to find better solutions. For example, the Paris Agreement is a global effort to reduce greenhouse gases. Also, richer countries can help poorer ones with money and technology to fight climate change.
On the other hand, some people think each country should be responsible for its own environmental policies. They argue that every country has different problems and needs, so they should make their own rules. This way, countries can focus on what’s most important for them. It also allows countries to move faster without waiting for everyone to agree.
In my opinion, I think both global cooperation and individual country efforts are important. Climate change is a worldwide problem, so we need everyone to work together. But countries should also have some freedom to make their own plans based on their situation. I believe the best approach is to have global goals that everyone agrees on, but let each country decide how to reach those goals.
To conclude, while it’s important for countries to take responsibility for their own environmental policies, global cooperation is necessary to tackle climate change effectively. By working together and allowing for some flexibility, we have a better chance of protecting our planet for future generations.
(Word count: 287)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Climate change is a big problem in the world. Some people think all countries should work together to fix it. Others think each country should take care of its own environment. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want global cooperation say climate change affects everyone. They think if countries work together, they can solve the problem better. For example, countries can share new ideas and help each other. Rich countries can give money to poor countries to help them fight climate change.
But some people think each country should make its own rules for the environment. They say every country is different and has different problems. If countries make their own rules, they can focus on what they need most. They can also act faster without waiting for other countries.
I think both ideas are important. Climate change is a big problem for the whole world, so countries need to work together. But each country should also be able to make some of its own rules. I believe the best way is to have some big goals that all countries agree on, but let each country decide how to reach those goals.
In conclusion, I think countries should work together on climate change, but also have some freedom to make their own plans. This way, we can protect the Earth better for the future.
(Word count: 229)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Provides well-developed and logically structured arguments
- Uses cohesive devices effectively
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although 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
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
- Uses cohesive devices but not always appropriately
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
- May not use paragraphing or use markers, but text has some overall coherence
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alteration in global weather patterns
- Global cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ – Worldwide collaboration
- Environmental policies (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈpɒləsiz/ – Rules and regulations regarding the environment
- Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – Release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect
- Paris Agreement (noun) – /ˈpærɪs əˈɡriːmənt/ – International accord on climate change mitigation
- Sovereignty (noun) – /ˈsɒvrənti/ – The authority of a state to govern itself
- Transboundary (adjective) – /trænzˈbaʊndəri/ – Crossing national borders
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the impact
- Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ – Introducing new ideas or methods
- Concerted (adjective) – /kənˈsɜːtɪd/ – Joint or coordinated effort
Global cooperation on climate change
Conclusion
Mastering the art of writing about global cooperation for climate change in IELTS Task 2 essays requires a deep understanding of the issue, strong language skills, and the ability to present balanced arguments. By studying these sample essays and analyzing their structures, vocabulary, and argumentation techniques, you can improve your own writing skills and achieve a higher band score.
As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of international organizations in addressing climate change
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
- The impact of individual actions versus government policies on climate change
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and gain valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.
For more insights on tackling climate-related topics in IELTS, you might find it helpful to read about how to promote global cooperation in tackling climate change and the importance of global cooperation in addressing climate change. These resources can provide additional perspectives and vocabulary to enhance your essays.