Climate change and environmental disasters have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in approximately 15% of recent exam questions. This reflects growing global concern about environmental issues and their impacts. Let’s examine some high-scoring sample essays on this critical topic.
As research shows in how climate change affects natural disasters frequency, understanding this relationship is crucial for academic writing.
Some people believe that climate change is the main factor causing an increase in natural disasters worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Relationship between climate change and natural disasters
- Task: Agree/Disagree essay
- Key points to address: Climate change impact, natural disaster frequency, causal relationship
Band 9 Sample Essay
The correlation between climate change and the escalating frequency of natural disasters has become increasingly evident, and I strongly agree that global warming is the primary driver behind this alarming trend. This essay will examine the compelling evidence supporting this position.
Firstly, rising global temperatures have directly contributed to more severe and frequent extreme weather events. The effects of climate change on national security demonstrate how melting polar ice caps and warming oceans have disrupted traditional weather patterns, leading to unprecedented storms, hurricanes, and typhoons. For instance, the intensity of Atlantic hurricanes has notably increased over the past decade, with scientists attributing this change to warmer ocean temperatures.
Moreover, climate change has exacerbated drought conditions worldwide, particularly affecting agricultural regions. How does climate change affect agricultural productivity? shows that prolonged dry periods and irregular rainfall patterns have created conditions conducive to wildfires and crop failures. The devastating Australian bushfires of 2019-2020 serve as a prime example of how climate-induced dry conditions can trigger catastrophic natural disasters.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly supports the notion that climate change is the main catalyst for increased natural disasters. Unless significant measures are taken to address global warming, we can expect these catastrophic events to become even more frequent and severe.
(290 words)
Band 7 Sample Essay
I agree that climate change plays a significant role in causing more natural disasters around the world. This essay will discuss the main reasons supporting this view.
One major impact of climate change is the increase in extreme weather conditions. role of oceans in climate stability explains how warming oceans create more powerful storms and affect weather patterns globally. For example, many coastal areas now experience stronger hurricanes than they did twenty years ago.
Furthermore, climate change causes more droughts and floods. When temperatures rise, some regions become very dry while others get too much rain. This leads to problems like forest fires in dry areas and flooding in wet regions. Additionally, how climate change is leading to migration crises shows how these disasters force people to leave their homes.
In conclusion, climate change clearly contributes to more natural disasters through its effects on weather patterns and environmental conditions. Urgent action is needed to address this growing problem.
(138 words)
Key Vocabulary
- catastrophic (adj) /kætəˈstrɒfɪk/ – causing sudden great damage or suffering
- exacerbate (v) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/ – to make something worse
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/ – never having happened or existed before
- conducive (adj) /kənˈdjuːsɪv/ – making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
- catalyst (n) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important event to happen
Essay Analysis
- Band 9 Essay: Demonstrates sophisticated vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and clear organization. Provides specific examples and maintains coherent arguments throughout.
- Band 7 Essay: Shows good control of language but less sophisticated vocabulary and simpler structure. Ideas are clear but less developed than Band 9.
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of human activity in environmental degradation
- Solutions to combat climate change
- Economic impacts of natural disasters
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.