Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Climate Change and Agriculture – Sample Essays for Band 6, 7, and 8

Climate change and its impact on agricultural practices is a hot topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This subject has appeared frequently in recent years and is likely to continue being a popular theme due to its global relevance. After analyzing past IELTS exams, we’ve identified a recurring question pattern related to this topic. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays for different band scores.

Some people say that the only way to save the environment is to increase the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question is asking for your opinion on a proposed solution to environmental issues. The key points to address are:

1. The proposal to increase fuel costs
2. The potential impact on the environment
3. Your level of agreement or disagreement
4. Alternative solutions (if you disagree)

Remember to provide reasons and examples to support your position.

Sample Essay for Band 8

Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and its impact on agriculture cannot be overstated. As we grapple with the challenges of feeding a growing global population, how climate change is affecting global food security becomes increasingly crucial. While some argue that increasing fuel costs is the only way to save the environment, I partially disagree with this assertion.

Undoubtedly, raising fuel prices could have some positive environmental impacts. Higher costs would likely discourage excessive vehicle use, leading to reduced carbon emissions. This, in turn, could slow down the rate of global warming and its detrimental effects on agricultural practices. Moreover, it might incentivize the development and adoption of more fuel-efficient vehicles and alternative energy sources, further mitigating environmental damage.

However, I believe that this approach alone is insufficient and potentially problematic. Firstly, it disproportionately affects lower-income individuals who may have no choice but to drive for work or essential activities. This could exacerbate social inequalities and potentially lead to economic hardships. Additionally, increased fuel costs could drive up the prices of goods and services, including food, which could paradoxically harm the very agricultural sector we’re trying to protect.

Instead, I propose a multi-faceted approach to addressing environmental concerns and their impact on agriculture. This could include:

1. Investment in renewable energy sources: Governments should heavily invest in and incentivize the use of solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies.

2. Improved public transportation: Developing efficient and affordable public transit systems could reduce reliance on personal vehicles without burdening individuals financially.

3. Sustainable agricultural practices: Promoting and supporting eco-friendly farming methods can help mitigate agriculture’s contribution to climate change while also making it more resilient to changing conditions.

4. Education and awareness campaigns: Informing the public about the environmental impact of their choices can lead to voluntary behavior changes.

5. Policy changes: Implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries, along with carbon pricing mechanisms, could be more effective than simply increasing fuel costs.

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs may play a role in environmental protection, it should not be considered the only or primary solution. A comprehensive strategy that addresses multiple aspects of the issue is more likely to yield positive results without causing undue hardship. By taking a balanced approach, we can work towards saving the environment and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices for future generations.

Climate change impact on agriculture

Sample Essay for Band 7

The environmental crisis is a major concern globally, and some people believe that increasing fuel costs for vehicles is the only solution. While I agree that this measure could have some positive effects, I don’t think it’s the only way to address the problem.

Raising fuel prices could certainly help reduce vehicle usage and, consequently, lower carbon emissions. When fuel becomes more expensive, people might think twice before using their cars for short trips or unnecessary journeys. This could lead to less air pollution and potentially slow down the rate of climate change. Additionally, higher fuel costs might encourage car manufacturers to develop more fuel-efficient vehicles or alternative energy sources.

However, I believe that this approach has limitations and potential drawbacks. Firstly, it could unfairly impact lower-income individuals who rely on their vehicles for work or essential activities. This might create social and economic problems. Moreover, increased fuel costs could lead to higher prices for goods and services, as transportation costs would rise.

Instead of relying solely on fuel price increases, I think a more comprehensive approach is needed. This could include:

1. Investing in and improving public transportation systems
2. Promoting the use of electric or hybrid vehicles through incentives
3. Implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries
4. Encouraging the development and use of renewable energy sources
5. Educating the public about the environmental impact of their choices

In conclusion, while increasing fuel costs may contribute to environmental protection, it shouldn’t be considered the only solution. A multi-faceted approach that addresses various aspects of the problem is more likely to be effective and fair. By combining different strategies, we can work towards a cleaner environment without placing an undue burden on any particular group.

Sustainable farming practices

Sample Essay for Band 6

Nowadays, the environment is facing many problems, and some people think that making fuel more expensive is the only way to save it. I partly agree with this idea, but I think there are other ways to help the environment too.

Increasing the cost of fuel for cars and other vehicles can be good for the environment. When fuel is more expensive, people might use their cars less. This means there will be less pollution from cars. Also, if fuel costs more, people might buy cars that use less fuel or electric cars. This can help reduce pollution even more.

However, making fuel more expensive can also cause problems. Some people need to use their cars every day for work or other important things. If fuel costs too much, it might be hard for them to afford it. This could make life difficult for many people, especially those who don’t earn much money.

I think there are other ways to help the environment besides making fuel more expensive. For example:

1. We can improve buses and trains so more people use them instead of cars.
2. We can make more bicycle lanes so people can ride bikes safely.
3. We can teach people about how to save energy and protect the environment.
4. We can use more solar and wind power instead of fuel that pollutes the air.

In conclusion, I think making fuel more expensive can help the environment, but it’s not the only way. We should try many different things to protect our environment. This way, we can help the planet without making life too hard for people who need to use cars.

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent language use and coherent argument development. It:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed ideas
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and flexibly
• Employs a variety of complex structures with few errors
• Presents a clear position throughout the response
• Uses paragraphing skillfully and cohesive devices effectively

Band 7 Essay:

This essay shows a good command of language and clear progression of ideas. It:

• Addresses all parts of the task
• Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Presents a clear overall position
• Uses paragraphing and cohesive devices appropriately, with occasional lapses

Band 6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates an adequate grasp of the task and language use. It:

• Addresses the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede communication
• Presents a relevant position, although the conclusions may become unclear
• Uses paragraphing, but not always logically

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, severe, or bad
2. Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
3. Disproportionately (adverb) /ˌdɪsprəˈpɔːʃənətli/ – to a degree that is too large or too small in comparison with something else
4. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make a problem or bad situation worse
5. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
6. Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
7. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
8. Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – the production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation

In conclusion, the topic of climate change and its impact on agricultural practices is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in combating climate change effects on agriculture
• Government policies to support farmers adapting to changing climate conditions
• The balance between economic growth and environmental protection in agriculture

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.