Climate change and carbon emissions have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions, carbon tax and environmental policies appear in approximately 15-20% of Task 2 essays, particularly in questions about government policies and global cooperation. Let’s examine one common question type that has appeared multiple times in recent years.
The role of international organizations in addressing climate change has become increasingly important as countries seek collaborative solutions to reduce emissions.
Some people believe that governments should impose a global tax on carbon emissions to address climate change. Others think this approach would be ineffective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments both for and against global carbon taxation
- Present a balanced analysis of both perspectives
- Provide a clear personal opinion supported by evidence
- Use specific examples to support key points
Band 8 Sample Essay
Rising carbon emissions present an unprecedented threat to our planet’s future. While some advocate for implementing an international carbon tax system to combat this issue, others question its effectiveness. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own position.
Proponents of global carbon taxation argue that it creates a powerful economic incentive for reducing emissions. When companies must pay for their carbon output, they naturally seek ways to minimize these costs through cleaner technologies and more efficient processes. For instance, why governments should enforce carbon taxes on industries has been demonstrated in countries like Sweden, where carbon taxes have successfully reduced industrial emissions by 25% since implementation.
However, critics maintain that a worldwide carbon tax would face significant practical challenges. Enforcement across different jurisdictions could prove problematic, particularly in developing nations lacking robust regulatory systems. Furthermore, there are concerns that such taxes might disproportionately affect poorer countries still heavily dependent on fossil fuels for economic growth.
In my opinion, while a global carbon tax presents certain implementation challenges, it remains one of the most promising tools for addressing climate change. The key lies in designing a flexible system that accounts for different economic circumstances while maintaining environmental effectiveness. The importance of carbon taxes for emissions reduction cannot be understated in our current climate crisis.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Many people today discuss whether governments should make everyone pay tax for carbon emissions. This essay will look at both sides of this argument and share my thoughts.
People who support carbon tax think it will help stop climate change. When companies have to pay more money for pollution, they will try to pollute less. Also, the money from these taxes can be used to develop clean energy and help the environment. Some countries already use carbon tax and show good results.
On the other hand, some people think global carbon tax won’t work well. It’s hard to make all countries follow the same rules, and poor countries might suffer more because they need cheap energy to grow their economy. Also, some businesses might move to places with no carbon tax.
I believe carbon tax is a good idea but needs careful planning. Governments should work together to make fair rules that help both the environment and the economy. Maybe rich countries could help poor countries with new technology and money to make it work better.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “unprecedented,” “economic incentive,” “disproportionately”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear organization with well-developed arguments
- Specific examples and evidence
- Coherent progression of ideas
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simpler vocabulary and structures
- Basic but clear organization
- Limited use of examples
- Some repetition
- Less sophisticated argument development
- More informal tone in places
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Carbon emissions (n.) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – release of carbon dioxide into atmosphere
- Implementation (n.) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – the process of putting a plan into action
- Disproportionately (adv.) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – in a way that is too large or too small in comparison
- Jurisdiction (n.) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/ – official power to make legal decisions
- Regulatory (adj.) /ˈreɡjələtɔːri/ – controlling or supervising through rules
For further practice, consider writing essays on these related topics:
- Should carbon taxes be higher for developed countries?
- How can international cooperation improve climate change policies?
- What role should developing nations play in reducing global emissions?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.