IELTS Writing Task 2: How Climate Change Affects Migration Patterns – Sample Essays and Analysis

Climate change and its impact on human migration has become an increasingly important topic in recent years. As an IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed a growing trend of questions related to this subject appearing in Writing Task 2. Based on my analysis of past exams and current global issues, I predict that questions about climate change and migration will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS tests.

Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that has appeared in recent exams:

Climate change is causing sea levels to rise and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events. As a result, some people believe that many coastal communities will be forced to relocate in the coming decades. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Analyzing the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Understand the link between climate change and rising sea levels/extreme weather
2. Consider the potential impact on coastal communities
3. Provide their opinion on whether these communities will be forced to relocate
4. Support their view with relevant examples and reasoning

Sample Essay 1 (Band 7-8)

Climate change is undeniably altering our planet’s ecosystems, with rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events being two of its most significant consequences. I strongly agree with the view that these changes will force many coastal communities to relocate in the coming decades, due to the severe threats posed to their homes, livelihoods, and overall safety.

Firstly, rising sea levels present an existential threat to low-lying coastal areas. As global temperatures increase, polar ice caps and glaciers continue to melt at an alarming rate, causing sea levels to rise. This puts millions of people living in coastal regions at risk of flooding and erosion. For instance, small island nations in the Pacific, such as Tuvalu and Kiribati, are already facing the prospect of becoming uninhabitable within a few decades. These communities will have no choice but to relocate, becoming some of the world’s first climate refugees.

Secondly, the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events pose significant dangers to coastal populations. Hurricanes, typhoons, and storm surges are becoming more powerful due to warmer ocean temperatures, leading to devastating impacts on coastal infrastructure and communities. The destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005 and more recently by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas in 2019 demonstrates the catastrophic potential of these events. As such disasters become more common, many coastal residents may decide to move inland for their safety and financial security.

However, it is important to note that not all coastal communities will face immediate relocation. Some wealthy nations and cities are investing heavily in coastal defense systems and climate adaptation strategies. For example, the Netherlands has been building and maintaining an extensive network of dikes, barriers, and storm surge gates to protect its low-lying coastal areas. Nevertheless, these solutions may not be feasible or affordable for many developing countries and smaller communities.

In conclusion, while some coastal areas may be able to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change, I believe that a significant number of communities will indeed be forced to relocate in the coming decades. The combination of rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events presents an unprecedented threat to coastal populations worldwide. It is crucial for governments and international organizations to prepare for this impending migration and develop strategies to support affected communities.

Climate change induced migration

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Climate change is a big problem that is causing sea levels to go up and making bad weather happen more often. Some people think that because of this, many people living near the coast will have to move to other places in the next few decades. I mostly agree with this idea because climate change is making it dangerous for people to live near the sea.

One reason why I agree is that the sea level is getting higher. This is happening because the Earth is getting warmer, which makes ice in cold places melt. When the sea level goes up, it can flood places where people live near the coast. For example, some small islands in the Pacific Ocean might disappear under the water in the future. The people living there will have to move to other countries, which will be very difficult for them.

Another reason is that there are more big storms happening because of climate change. These storms, like hurricanes, can destroy houses and buildings near the coast. They can also hurt people and make it hard for them to live there. For instance, Hurricane Katrina in America in 2005 caused a lot of damage, and many people had to leave their homes. If these kinds of storms happen more often, people might decide it’s safer to live away from the coast.

However, not all coastal places will have to be left right away. Some rich countries are trying to protect their coasts by building walls and other things to stop flooding. But this costs a lot of money, so poor countries might not be able to do it. This means that people in poor countries near the coast might have to move sooner than people in rich countries.

In conclusion, I think many coastal communities will have to move in the future because of climate change. The rising sea level and more frequent bad weather make it dangerous to live near the coast. Governments should start planning now to help people who might need to move because of these problems.

Writing Tips for This Topic

1. Vocabulary: Use a range of climate change-related terms accurately. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary:

   • Band 6-7: global warming, sea level rise, extreme weather, flooding
   • Band 7-8: climate refugees, coastal erosion, storm surges, climate adaptation strategies

2. Grammar: Demonstrate a variety of complex structures:

   • Band 6-7: Use conditional sentences (e.g., “If sea levels continue to rise, coastal communities will face problems.”)
   • Band 7-8: Employ more sophisticated conditionals and passive constructions (e.g., “Should sea levels continue to rise at the current rate, coastal communities will be forced to relocate.”)

3. Paragraph Structure: Ensure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, supporting points, and examples.

4. Cohesion: Use a range of linking words to connect ideas within and between paragraphs.

5. Task Response: Address all parts of the question and provide a clear position throughout the essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Climate refugee (noun) /ˈklaɪmət ˌrefjʊˈdʒiː/ – A person forced to leave their home due to climate change impacts
2. Coastal erosion (noun) /ˈkəʊstl ɪˈrəʊʒn/ – The wearing away of land by the sea
3. Storm surge (noun) /stɔːm sɜːdʒ/ – An abnormal rise in seawater level during a storm
4. Adaptation strategies (noun) /ædæpˈteɪʃn ˈstrætədʒiz/ – Plans to adjust to climate change effects
5. Mitigation measures (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn ˈmeʒəz/ – Actions to reduce the severity of climate change
6. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
7. Vulnerable (adjective) /ˈvʌlnərəbl/ – Exposed to the possibility of being harmed
8. Displacement (noun) /dɪsˈpleɪsmənt/ – The act of forcing people to leave their homes

Conclusion

Understanding the impact of climate change on migration patterns is crucial for IELTS candidates, as it’s likely to remain a relevant topic in future exams. Practice writing essays on related themes such as:

1. The economic impacts of climate-induced migration on host countries
2. The role of international cooperation in addressing climate refugees
3. Strategies for making coastal communities more resilient to climate change
4. The ethical considerations of climate change and forced migration

By familiarizing yourself with these topics and practicing your essay writing skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any climate change and migration-related questions that may appear in your IELTS Writing Task 2.