Climate change and its effects on global agriculture have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. This theme’s relevance to current global issues makes it a popular choice for test-makers, appearing frequently in recent years and likely to continue as a recurring subject. To help you prepare, let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Climate change is having a significant impact on global agriculture. Some experts believe that this will lead to widespread food shortages in the future. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires you to:
- Understand the relationship between climate change and agriculture
- Consider the potential consequences, specifically food shortages
- Formulate and express your opinion on the likelihood of these outcomes
- Support your viewpoint with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Climate change is undeniably altering the face of global agriculture, with potentially dire consequences for food security worldwide. I strongly agree with the view that these changes could lead to widespread food shortages in the future, as the evidence supporting this prediction is both compelling and multifaceted.
Firstly, climate change is disrupting traditional growing patterns and reducing crop yields in many regions. Rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to plan and manage their harvests effectively. For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is predominantly rain-fed, erratic rainfall patterns have led to frequent crop failures, diminishing food production in a region already struggling with malnutrition. Similarly, extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change, can devastate entire harvests, leaving communities vulnerable to food shortages.
Moreover, climate change is altering the geographical distribution of pests and diseases that affect crops. Warmer temperatures are allowing agricultural pests to expand their ranges, threatening crops in areas where they were previously absent. The spread of the fall armyworm in Africa and Asia is a prime example, causing significant damage to maize crops and jeopardizing food security for millions. This expansion of pests and diseases puts additional pressure on global food production systems, increasing the likelihood of shortages.
Furthermore, rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion are rendering coastal agricultural lands unproductive. In countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, where rice production is a cornerstone of both the diet and the economy, the loss of arable land to salination poses a severe threat to food security. As these effects compound over time, the global capacity to produce sufficient food for a growing population will be increasingly strained.
However, it is important to note that technological advancements and adaptive strategies could mitigate some of these impacts. Genetic engineering, precision agriculture, and vertical farming are among the innovations that could help maintain or even increase food production in the face of climate challenges. Nevertheless, the rate at which these solutions can be developed and implemented may not keep pace with the rapidly changing climate.
In conclusion, the evidence strongly suggests that climate change will indeed lead to widespread food shortages unless significant and immediate action is taken. While technological solutions offer hope, the scale and speed of climate change’s impact on agriculture necessitate urgent global cooperation to both mitigate climate change and adapt our food production systems to ensure future food security.
(Word count: 398)
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Climate change is having a big effect on farming around the world. Some people think this will cause a lot of food shortages in the future. I agree with this idea because climate change is making it harder to grow food in many places.
One reason I agree is that the weather is changing in many farming areas. Farmers are having problems because it’s getting hotter and the rain is not coming when they expect it. For example, in some countries in Africa, farmers don’t know when to plant their crops because the rainy season is not the same as before. This means they might not grow enough food, which could lead to shortages.
Another problem is that climate change is causing more extreme weather. There are more floods and droughts happening in many parts of the world. These can destroy crops and make it hard to grow food. For instance, big floods in Asia have ruined rice fields, and this could mean less food for many people.
Also, as the Earth gets warmer, some insects that eat crops are moving to new places. This is bad for farmers because they have to deal with new pests that they didn’t have before. If these insects eat too many crops, there won’t be enough food left for people to eat.
However, some people say that new farming methods and technology can help solve these problems. They think that scientists can make plants that grow better in hot weather or with less water. While this might help, I think it will take a long time to make these new plants and teach farmers how to use them.
In conclusion, I believe that climate change will probably cause food shortages in the future. The problems it’s causing for farmers are very serious, and even though there might be some solutions, they might not be ready in time to stop food shortages from happening.
(Word count: 309)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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For Band 8-9:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to climate and agriculture
- Employ complex sentence structures and linking words
- Provide specific examples and data to support arguments
- Demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic
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For Band 6-7:
- Use a good range of topic-related vocabulary
- Include some complex sentences, but maintain clarity
- Provide general examples to support points
- Show a clear understanding of the main issues
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Grammar tips:
- Use conditional sentences to discuss potential future scenarios
- Employ passive voice to describe processes and effects
- Utilize a mix of present and future tenses appropriately
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Vocabulary focus:
- Use specific terms related to agriculture and climate change
- Incorporate academic words to elevate the essay’s tone
Essential Vocabulary
Here are some key terms to remember for this topic:
- Arable land (noun) /ˈærəbl lænd/ – Land suitable for growing crops
- Crop yield (noun) /krɒp jiːld/ – The amount of crop produced per unit of land
- Food security (noun) /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/ – The state of having reliable access to sufficient food
- Drought-resistant (adjective) /draʊt rɪˈzɪstənt/ – Able to withstand long periods without water
- Salination (noun) /ˌsælɪˈneɪʃn/ – The process of salt accumulation in soil
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Sustainable agriculture (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈæɡrɪkʌltʃə/ – Farming practices that ensure long-term productivity without harming the environment
- Pest resilience (noun) /pest rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The ability of crops to withstand pest attacks
Conclusion
The impact of climate change on global agriculture is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in mitigating climate change effects on agriculture
- Government policies to support farmers affected by climate change
- The importance of sustainable farming practices in a changing climate
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS exam.
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