Global trade and its impact on environmental sustainability is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Let’s explore this theme through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s consider the following question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people believe that global trade is harmful to the environment, while others argue that it can contribute to environmental sustainability. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of global trade on the environment
- Explore how global trade can contribute to environmental sustainability
- Present your own perspective on the issue
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
International trade has become an integral part of the global economy, but its environmental implications have sparked intense debate. While some argue that global trade exacerbates environmental degradation, others contend that it can actually promote sustainability. In my opinion, while global trade does pose certain environmental challenges, it also offers significant opportunities for advancing sustainable practices worldwide.
On one hand, critics of global trade highlight its negative environmental impacts. The increased transportation of goods across vast distances contributes significantly to carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change. Moreover, the drive for competitive pricing often leads to the exploitation of natural resources in developing countries, resulting in deforestation, habitat destruction, and pollution. For instance, the demand for palm oil in developed nations has led to extensive deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia, threatening biodiversity and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
On the other hand, proponents argue that global trade can be a catalyst for environmental sustainability. International commerce facilitates the transfer of green technologies and sustainable practices across borders, enabling developing countries to leapfrog environmentally harmful stages of development. Furthermore, global trade agreements can incorporate environmental standards, promoting sustainable production methods worldwide. The success of the Montreal Protocol in phasing out ozone-depleting substances through international cooperation serves as a prime example of how global trade mechanisms can address environmental challenges.
In my view, while the environmental concerns associated with global trade are valid, its potential to drive sustainability should not be overlooked. The key lies in harnessing the power of international commerce to promote eco-friendly practices. This can be achieved through stricter environmental regulations in trade agreements, incentivizing sustainable production methods, and investing in cleaner transportation technologies. Additionally, consumer awareness in developed countries can drive demand for sustainably produced goods, encouraging environmentally responsible practices in global supply chains.
In conclusion, global trade’s impact on the environment is complex and multifaceted. While it poses certain risks, it also offers unique opportunities to advance sustainability on a global scale. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits, we can work towards a future where international trade becomes a powerful tool for environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
(Word count: 345)
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Global trade and its effect on the environment is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it’s bad for the environment, while others believe it can help make things more sustainable. I will discuss both sides and give my own thoughts on this issue.
Those who say global trade is harmful to the environment have some good points. When goods are shipped around the world, it uses a lot of fuel and causes pollution. For example, big cargo ships release a lot of greenhouse gases. Also, some countries might lower their environmental standards to make cheaper products for export, which can lead to more pollution and damage to nature.
On the other hand, people who support global trade say it can actually help the environment. They argue that when countries trade, they can share better technologies for protecting the environment. For instance, solar panels made in one country can be sold to others, helping them use cleaner energy. Trade agreements can also include rules about protecting the environment, which can make all countries involved improve their practices.
In my opinion, global trade has both good and bad effects on the environment. While it’s true that it can cause pollution from transportation and sometimes leads to exploitation of resources, I think it also has the potential to spread good environmental practices around the world. The key is to find a balance and make sure that trade agreements include strong protections for the environment.
To conclude, global trade’s impact on environmental sustainability is not simple. It has both positive and negative aspects. I believe that with careful management and good policies, we can use global trade to help make the world more environmentally friendly rather than harming it.
(Word count: 292)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Global trade and the environment is a big topic these days. Some people think it’s bad for nature, but others say it can help make things better for the environment. I will talk about both ideas and then say what I think.
First, people who don’t like global trade say it hurts the environment. They say that moving things around the world in big ships and planes makes a lot of pollution. Also, some countries might not care about the environment when they make things to sell to other countries. This can cause problems like cutting down forests or making rivers dirty.
But other people think global trade can be good for the environment. They say that when countries trade, they can share good ideas about how to protect nature. For example, if one country knows how to make clean energy, they can sell this to other countries. This helps everyone use less dirty energy like coal.
I think global trade can be both good and bad for the environment. It’s true that it can cause pollution and sometimes countries don’t care about nature when they want to make money. But I also think it can help spread good ways to protect the environment around the world.
In the end, I believe we need to be careful with global trade. We should try to make it work in a way that helps the environment instead of hurting it. If we do this, global trade can be a good thing for the world and nature.
(Word count: 245)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a competent handling of the task with some good points:
- Task Achievement: All parts of the task are addressed, though some aspects are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are generally arranged coherently, and there is a clear overall progression.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some inaccuracies in word choice, but this does not impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay addresses the task but with limitations:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task but may be repetitive or lack focus in parts.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but coherence and cohesion are often faulty.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at more sophisticated words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is attempted, but errors are frequent and may cause some difficulty for the reader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Environmental sustainability (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources.
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Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ – To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.
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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪoʊdaɪˈvɜːrsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Leapfrog (verb) – /ˈliːpfrɒɡ/ – To advance from one place or stage to another without going through intermediate stages.
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Carbon emissions (noun) – /ˈkɑːrbən ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkoʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
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Supply chain (noun) – /səˈplaɪ tʃeɪn/ – The network of organizations involved in the production and distribution of a product.
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Greenhouse gases (noun) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation.
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Exploitation (noun) – /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃn/ – The action of making use of and benefiting from resources, often in an unfair or selfish way.
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Stewardship (noun) – /ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/ – The job of supervising or taking care of something, such as an organization or property.
Conclusion
The topic of global trade’s effect on environmental sustainability is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams due to its ongoing significance in global discussions. When approaching this topic, remember to:
- Discuss both positive and negative aspects of global trade on the environment.
- Use specific examples to support your arguments.
- Present a balanced view before giving your own opinion.
- Use a range of vocabulary related to environment and trade.
- Ensure your essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones such as:
- The role of international cooperation in addressing global environmental issues
- The impact of consumerism on the environment
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an excellent way to enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 skills and prepare for the exam.