Climate change and its effects on global weather patterns has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions from 2018-2023, this theme appears in approximately 15% of environment-related tasks, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared.
Studies of how climate change impacts global food supply chains show that changing weather patterns have far-reaching consequences. Let’s examine a recent IELTS Task 2 question on this topic and analyze sample responses across different band scores.
Analyzing the Task
Some people believe that climate change is the biggest threat to our planet’s weather systems. Others think that human activities like deforestation and pollution have a greater impact. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This is a discussion essay requiring candidates to:
- Examine two different perspectives on environmental threats
- Present arguments for both viewpoints
- Express and justify a personal opinion
Climate change impacts on global weather systems showing extreme weather events
Sample Essay (Band 8)
The debate over whether climate change or direct human activities pose the greatest threat to Earth’s weather systems has garnered significant attention. While both factors undoubtedly contribute to environmental degradation, I believe climate change represents the more serious challenge.
Those who emphasize direct human activities point to compelling evidence. Deforestation disrupts local rainfall patterns and creates heat islands, while industrial pollution releases particulates that affect cloud formation and precipitation. These activities have immediate, observable impacts on regional weather systems. The impact of climate change on ocean biodiversity further compounds these effects.
However, climate change presents a more comprehensive threat to global weather patterns. Rising temperatures alter atmospheric circulation, leading to more frequent extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts. Moreover, melting polar ice caps disrupt ocean currents that regulate global climate. The effects of climate change on freshwater availability demonstrate this interconnected impact.
In my opinion, while direct human activities certainly damage weather systems, climate change poses the greater threat due to its self-reinforcing nature and global scope. Once set in motion, climate change creates feedback loops that amplify its effects, making it more challenging to address than localized human activities. Furthermore, its impacts transcend national boundaries, requiring coordinated international action.
Therefore, while we must address both issues, prioritizing climate change mitigation is essential for protecting Earth’s weather systems. This requires both reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing adaptive strategies for inevitable changes.
Sample Essay (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many people discuss what causes the biggest problems for our planet’s weather. Some think climate change is the main problem, while others believe human activities like cutting trees and pollution are worse. I will discuss both ideas and give my view.
People who worry about climate change have good reasons. The Earth is getting warmer, which makes more storms and unusual weather happen. When ice melts at the poles, it changes how oceans move and affects weather everywhere. The effects of climate change on food production show how serious this is.
On the other hand, human activities directly harm the environment. When we cut down forests, it affects rain in that area. Factories and cars make pollution that changes the air and weather. These problems are easy to see in many countries, especially in big cities.
In my opinion, climate change is more dangerous because it affects the whole world, not just one place. Once it starts, it’s very hard to stop and makes other problems worse. Also, it takes many years to fix climate change problems.
To conclude, while both issues are important, I think climate change needs more attention because it has bigger effects on weather globally. Governments should work together to reduce both climate change and direct environmental damage.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary (garnered, degradation, comprehensive)
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear paragraph organization
- Well-developed arguments
- Effective use of linking devices
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Some development of ideas
- Basic linking words
- Informal tone at times
Key Vocabulary
- degradation (n) /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of quality
- compelling (adj) /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – convincing
- particulates (n) /pɑːˈtɪkjʊləts/ – very small particles
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all aspects
- mitigation (n) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – reduction of severity
Conclusion
The topic of climate change and weather patterns remains highly relevant for IELTS Writing Task 2. Practice writing about related themes such as:
- Solutions to extreme weather events
- Government roles in climate change
- Individual responsibility for environmental protection
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion. Understanding how to articulate these complex environmental relationships clearly will help improve your IELTS writing score.
