Climate change and its impact on global food security is a pressing issue that has increasingly appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. Based on recent trends and the growing importance of this topic, it’s highly likely that candidates will encounter similar questions in future exams. Let’s explore this theme through a carefully selected prompt and analyze high-scoring sample essays.
Analyzing the Task
Some people say that the best way to improve global food security is to reduce the effects of climate change, while others say we need to reduce population growth to achieve this. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
This prompt presents a complex issue with two contrasting viewpoints on addressing global food security. It requires candidates to:
- Discuss the perspective that reducing climate change effects is the best solution
- Explore the view that controlling population growth is more effective
- Provide a personal opinion on which approach is more beneficial
Let’s examine three sample essays that tackle this prompt, each aiming for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Climate change and population growth are two significant factors influencing global food security. While some argue that mitigating climate change is the most effective approach to ensure food availability worldwide, others contend that controlling population growth is the key. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this critical issue.
Those who advocate for climate change mitigation as the primary solution argue that extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns directly impact agricultural productivity. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing sustainable farming practices, we can stabilize crop yields and protect food sources. For instance, investing in drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation systems can help farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions, ensuring consistent food production even in challenging environments.
On the other hand, proponents of population control argue that the ever-increasing global population puts unsustainable pressure on food resources. They contend that no matter how much we improve agricultural techniques or mitigate climate change, an exponentially growing population will eventually outpace food production capabilities. Implementing family planning programs and educating communities about the impact of population growth on resource availability could help balance food demand with supply.
In my opinion, while both approaches have merit, addressing climate change should be the priority in improving global food security. Climate change affects not only food production but also water availability, soil quality, and biodiversity – all crucial elements in maintaining a stable food supply. Moreover, the impacts of climate change are far-reaching and can lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems, making it a more urgent issue to tackle.
However, I believe that a comprehensive approach combining both strategies would be most effective. By simultaneously working to reduce climate change impacts and promoting responsible population growth, we can create a more sustainable balance between food production and consumption. This multi-faceted approach would address both the supply and demand sides of the food security equation, offering a more robust and long-term solution to this global challenge.
In conclusion, while population control is an important consideration, mitigating climate change should be the primary focus in improving global food security. A combined strategy that addresses both issues will likely yield the most significant and lasting results in ensuring adequate food resources for future generations.
(Word count: 367)
climate-change-impact-on-agriculture|Climate Change Impact on Agriculture|Image depicting the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, such as drought, floods, and crop failure. Show withered crops in a dry field with a cracked earth surface under the scorching sun.
Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 8-9 response:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and clearly stating a personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common phrases (e.g., “exponentially growing population”, “irreversible damage to ecosystems”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a variety of complex structures accurately, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.
Critical Thinking: The response demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the issue, acknowledging the merits of both approaches while providing a well-reasoned personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Global food security is a major concern today, and people have different opinions on how to improve it. Some think reducing climate change effects is the best way, while others believe controlling population growth is more important. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support reducing climate change effects argue that it has a big impact on food production. Climate change causes extreme weather, like droughts and floods, which can destroy crops and reduce food supply. If we can slow down climate change, we can protect our farms and ensure more stable food production. For example, using renewable energy and sustainable farming methods can help reduce greenhouse gases and protect our environment.
On the other hand, people who think population control is more important say that too many people put a strain on our food resources. They believe that even if we improve farming and stop climate change, we won’t have enough food if the population keeps growing too fast. These people suggest that education about family planning and better access to birth control can help keep population growth in check and make sure there’s enough food for everyone.
In my opinion, both approaches are important, but I think focusing on climate change is more crucial. Climate change doesn’t just affect food production; it also impacts water supplies and the overall health of our planet. If we don’t address climate change soon, it might be too late to reverse its effects, which could lead to even bigger food security problems in the future.
However, I also believe that we shouldn’t ignore population growth. A balanced approach that tackles both issues would be the most effective way to improve global food security. By working on reducing climate change and promoting responsible population growth at the same time, we can create a more sustainable future with enough food for everyone.
In conclusion, while both reducing climate change effects and controlling population growth are important for global food security, I believe that focusing on climate change should be the priority. However, a combined approach addressing both issues is likely to be the most effective solution in the long run.
(Word count: 349)
Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be developed more fully.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear progression. Paragraphing is logical, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.
Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempt at less common items. However, there is less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows some analysis of the issue, but the arguments could be more fully developed and supported with specific examples.
Sample Essay 3: Band 5-6 Response
Global food security is a big problem in the world today. Some people think reducing climate change is the best way to improve it, but others say we need to control population growth. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
People who want to reduce climate change say it’s important because it affects food production. When the weather changes a lot because of climate change, it can damage crops and make less food. If we can stop climate change, we can grow more food. For example, we can use less fossil fuels and plant more trees to help the environment.
Other people think controlling population is more important. They say that if there are too many people, we won’t have enough food for everyone. Even if we make more food, it won’t be enough if the population keeps growing fast. They think we should teach people about family planning and give them ways to control birth rates.
I think both ideas are important, but reducing climate change is more important. Climate change doesn’t just affect food, it also affects water and the whole planet. If we don’t stop climate change now, it might be too late and we will have bigger problems in the future.
But I also think we should not forget about population growth. We should try to do both things at the same time. If we work on climate change and population growth together, we can make sure there is enough food for everyone in the future.
In conclusion, I believe that reducing climate change is more important for global food security, but we should also try to control population growth. Doing both things together will help us solve the problem of food security better.
(Word count: 276)
Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 5-6 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, discussing both viewpoints and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas are not fully developed, and examples are limited.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a basic structure, but paragraphing could be improved. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. There is little use of less common vocabulary items.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mostly simple sentences are used, with some attempts at complex structures. There are noticeable errors, but they generally do not impede communication.
Critical Thinking: The essay shows a basic understanding of the issue, but lacks depth in analysis and argumentation.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
Food security (noun) – /fuːd sɪˈkjʊərəti/: The state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.
Climate change mitigation (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: Actions to limit the magnitude or rate of long-term climate change.
Population growth (noun phrase) – /ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃn ɡrəʊθ/: The increase in the number of individuals in a population.
Sustainable farming (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈfɑːmɪŋ/: Farming practices that are environmentally friendly and can be maintained without depleting natural resources.
Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃnz/: The release of gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, causing global warming.
Agricultural productivity (noun phrase) – /ˌæɡrɪˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/: A measurement of the efficiency of agricultural production.
Family planning (noun phrase) – /ˈfæməli ˈplænɪŋ/: The practice of controlling the number of children one has and the intervals between their births.
Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/: A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Irreversible damage (noun phrase) – /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl ˈdæmɪdʒ/: Harm or destruction that cannot be undone or rectified.
Conclusion
Climate change and its impact on global food security is a complex and crucial topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 prompts. By studying these sample essays and understanding the key elements that contribute to different band scores, you can improve your own writing skills and prepare effectively for the exam.
Some potential future prompts related to this theme might include:
- Discuss the role of technology in addressing food security challenges caused by climate change.
- To what extent do you agree that international cooperation is necessary to solve global food security issues?
- Some people believe that changing dietary habits is crucial for ensuring food security in the face of climate change. Do you agree or disagree?
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on the prompt provided in this article or one of the suggested future prompts. Share your essay in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates. This practice will help you refine your writing technique and gain valuable insights into tackling complex topics like climate change and global food security.