Climate change and its impact on extreme weather events is a topic of growing concern and frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on recent trends, we can expect this theme to continue being a popular subject in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a relevant question that has appeared in past tests and is likely to resurface in various forms:
Some people say that the world’s climate is changing due to the increased use of fossil fuels. Others believe that human activity is not affecting the climate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that climate change is caused by increased fossil fuel use
- Discuss the opposing view that human activity is not affecting the climate
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and maintain a balanced approach while clearly stating your position.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Climate change and its causes have been a subject of intense debate in recent years. While some argue that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for global climate shifts, others contend that these changes are natural and unrelated to human actions. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own viewpoint.
Those who believe human activities are driving climate change point to the overwhelming scientific evidence linking greenhouse gas emissions to global warming. The rapid increase in carbon dioxide levels since the Industrial Revolution correlates strongly with rising global temperatures. Moreover, climate models incorporating human factors more accurately predict observed changes than those considering only natural variables. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently reported that human influence is the dominant cause of observed warming since the mid-20th century.
On the other hand, skeptics argue that Earth’s climate has always been in flux, with natural cycles of warming and cooling occurring throughout history. They cite past climate events, such as the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, as evidence that significant temperature variations can occur without human interference. Some also question the accuracy of climate models and the reliability of temperature records, suggesting that the extent of human-induced warming may be overstated.
In my opinion, while natural factors do play a role in climate variability, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, are the primary driver of current climate change. The rapid pace and unprecedented nature of recent warming, coupled with the observed changes in atmospheric composition, strongly indicate human influence. Furthermore, the potential consequences of ignoring this link are too severe to dismiss based on uncertainty.
In conclusion, although the debate continues, the scientific consensus strongly supports the view that human activities are significantly altering the global climate. As we face the challenges posed by extreme weather events and other climate-related issues, it is crucial to acknowledge our role in these changes and take responsible action to mitigate their impacts.
(Word count: 329)
Climate change effects on weather
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
The topic of climate change is widely discussed nowadays. Some people think that humans are causing climate change by using more fossil fuels, while others believe that humans are not affecting the climate. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who say humans are causing climate change have some good reasons. They point out that we are burning a lot more coal, oil, and gas than we used to. This releases gases like carbon dioxide into the air, which can trap heat and make the Earth warmer. Scientists have shown that the Earth is getting hotter, and they say this is because of these gases. Also, we can see more extreme weather happening, like stronger hurricanes and longer droughts, which they say is because of climate change.
On the other hand, some people don’t think humans are causing climate change. They say that the Earth’s climate has always changed naturally over time. For example, there were ice ages long ago when no humans were around. They also say that the sun’s activity or volcanoes could be causing the changes we see now. Some of these people think that the Earth is so big that humans can’t really affect its climate.
In my opinion, I think humans are affecting the climate. There is a lot of evidence from many scientists that shows how our activities, especially burning fossil fuels, are changing the atmosphere. While it’s true that the climate has changed naturally in the past, the changes happening now are much faster than before. I believe we need to take this seriously and try to reduce our impact on the environment.
To conclude, while there are different views on climate change, I agree with the idea that human activities are causing significant changes to our climate. It’s important for us to understand this issue and think about what we can do to help.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure – introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, personal opinion, and conclusion. This organization is crucial for clarity and coherence.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. For example:
- Band 8-9: “The rapid increase in carbon dioxide levels since the Industrial Revolution correlates strongly with rising global temperatures.”
- Band 6-7: “Scientists have shown that the Earth is getting hotter, and they say this is because of these gases.”
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Argument Development: The higher band essay provides more detailed explanations and specific examples, such as mentioning the IPCC. The lower band essay gives more general statements.
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Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases, but the Band 8-9 essay does so more effectively and varies them more.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay does so with greater depth and precision.
Vocabulary to Remember
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒs.əl ˌfjuː.əlz/ – Coal, oil, or natural gas, formed from the remains of dead plants and animals.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːn.haʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃ.ənz/ – The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
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Climate variability (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪ.mət ˌveə.ri.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – The way climate fluctuates yearly above or below a long-term average value.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪt.ɪˈɡeɪ.ʃən/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
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Intergovernmental (adjective) /ˌɪn.tə.ɡʌv.ənˈmen.təl/ – Existing or conducted between different governments.
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Consensus (noun) /kənˈsen.səs/ – A general agreement about something.
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Unprecedented (adjective) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – Never having happened or existed in the past.
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Skeptics (noun) /ˈskep.tɪks/ – People inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions.
To further enhance your IELTS Writing skills on this topic, consider practicing with related questions such as:
- “What measures can individuals and governments take to reduce the impact of climate change on extreme weather events?”
- “Some people believe that technological advancements can solve the problem of climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”
Remember, the key to improving your IELTS Writing score is consistent practice. Try writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback. This active approach to learning will help you refine your skills and boost your confidence for the IELTS exam.
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