Climate change-induced migration is an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This issue has appeared in several past exams and is likely to be featured more frequently in future tests due to its growing global significance. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays for different band scores, focusing on the question:
Climate change is causing people to migrate from their homes to other countries. How can governments and individuals address this issue?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to discuss solutions to climate change-induced migration at both governmental and individual levels. It’s crucial to address both aspects in your response.
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
Climate change has become a pressing global issue, forcing many people to leave their homes and seek refuge in other countries. This essay will explore how governments and individuals can address this growing problem.
At the governmental level, there are several crucial steps that can be taken. Firstly, countries should collaborate to implement stricter carbon emission regulations and invest in renewable energy sources. This long-term approach can help mitigate the effects of climate change, potentially reducing the need for migration. Additionally, governments should establish international agreements to protect and support climate refugees, ensuring they have legal status and access to basic services in host countries. Furthermore, developed nations could provide financial and technological assistance to vulnerable countries to help them adapt to climate change and build resilience against its impacts.
Individuals also have a significant role to play in addressing this issue. On a personal level, people can reduce their carbon footprint by adopting environmentally friendly practices such as using public transportation, reducing energy consumption, and choosing sustainable products. Moreover, individuals can support organizations that work with climate refugees or lobby their governments to take action on climate change. Education and awareness are key; by staying informed and spreading knowledge about climate change and its consequences, individuals can contribute to a collective effort to combat this global challenge.
In conclusion, tackling climate change-induced migration requires a multi-faceted approach involving both governmental action and individual responsibility. By combining international cooperation, policy changes, and personal commitments, we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and supporting those displaced by its impacts.
(Word count: 273)
Band 6-7 Essay
Climate change is causing many people to move from their homes to other countries. This essay will discuss how governments and individuals can deal with this problem.
Governments have an important role in addressing this issue. They should work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making stricter laws and investing in clean energy. This can help slow down climate change and maybe reduce migration in the future. Governments should also make plans to help climate refugees, giving them a legal status and basic needs in the countries they move to. Rich countries could give money and technology to poorer countries to help them deal with climate change effects.
Individuals can also help with this problem. People can reduce their own impact on the environment by using less energy, recycling, and choosing eco-friendly products. They can also support organizations that help climate refugees or ask their government to do more about climate change. It’s important for people to learn about climate change and its effects, and share this information with others. This can help more people understand the problem and take action.
In conclusion, both governments and individuals need to work on solving the problem of climate change-induced migration. Governments should make policies and work together internationally, while individuals should change their habits and raise awareness. By doing these things, we can help reduce the number of people who have to leave their homes because of climate change.
(Word count: 234)
Band 5-6 Essay
Climate change is making people move from their homes to other countries. This is a big problem that governments and people need to solve.
Governments can do some things to help. They should make rules to stop pollution and use clean energy. This can make climate change slower. They should also help people who have to move because of climate change. Rich countries can give money to poor countries to help them with climate problems.
People can also do things to help. They can use less energy at home and use public transport instead of cars. This can reduce pollution. People can also learn about climate change and tell others about it. This can make more people want to help solve the problem.
In conclusion, both governments and people need to work together to solve this problem. If everyone does their part, we can help stop people from having to leave their homes because of climate change.
(Word count: 149)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates:
- Excellent coherence and cohesion with clear progression of ideas
- Wide range of vocabulary used accurately and flexibly
- Wide range of complex structures used with full flexibility and accuracy
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
- Clear position throughout with well-supported arguments
Band 6-7 Essay
This essay shows:
- Clear overall progression with some cohesive devices
- Sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed
Band 5-6 Essay
This essay exhibits:
- Overall coherence but inadequate or inaccurate use of cohesive devices
- Limited range of vocabulary with noticeable errors
- Limited range of structures with some attempts at complex sentences
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Some main ideas present but limited development; may be repetitive
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Climate change-induced migration (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ɪnˈdjuːst maɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – The movement of people due to changes in their environment caused by climate change.
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Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe, serious, or painful.
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Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of an individual’s or organization’s activities.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Adaptation (noun) – /ædæpˈteɪʃən/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions.
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Sustainability (noun) – /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level, especially regarding ecological balance.
Conclusion
Climate change-induced migration is a complex issue that requires comprehensive solutions from both governments and individuals. By practicing with essays like these, you can improve your ability to address such multifaceted topics in the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For further practice, consider writing essays on related topics such as:
- The economic impacts of climate change-induced migration
- The role of international organizations in addressing climate refugees
- Balancing economic development with environmental protection in developing countries
We encourage you to write your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.