Climate science and its impact on global policies have become increasingly prominent topics in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing importance of environmental issues in international discourse. Based on analysis of past IELTS questions and current global concerns, it’s highly likely that test-takers will encounter essay prompts related to how climate science is reshaping global policies in future exams.
Let’s examine a relevant question that could appear in an upcoming IELTS Writing Task 2:
Climate change is one of the most serious issues facing the world today. What measures can individuals and governments take to help reduce the effects of climate change?
Analyzing the Question
This question addresses the critical issue of climate change and requires candidates to discuss both individual and governmental actions to mitigate its effects. The task involves:
- Understanding the severity of climate change as a global issue
- Identifying effective measures that individuals can take
- Proposing actions that governments can implement
- Balancing the discussion between individual and governmental responsibilities
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay
Climate change undeniably stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, posing significant threats to ecosystems, economies, and human well-being globally. Addressing this complex issue requires a concerted effort from both individuals and governments, each playing crucial roles in mitigating its effects.
On an individual level, people can make substantial contributions through conscious lifestyle changes. Firstly, reducing carbon footprints by opting for energy-efficient appliances and vehicles can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, adopting plant-based diets or reducing meat consumption can alleviate the environmental burden of livestock farming, a major contributor to methane emissions. Furthermore, individuals can practice responsible consumption by choosing products with minimal packaging and supporting companies with sustainable practices, thereby influencing market trends towards eco-friendliness.
Governments, wielding broader influence and resources, bear a greater responsibility in combating climate change. Implementing stringent regulations on industrial emissions and incentivizing the transition to renewable energy sources should be prioritized. This could involve offering tax breaks for companies investing in green technologies or imposing carbon taxes on heavy polluters. Moreover, governments can invest in large-scale infrastructure projects such as expanding public transportation networks and developing smart cities to reduce overall energy consumption. International cooperation is also crucial, with governments collaborating on global initiatives like reforestation projects and sharing technological advancements in clean energy.
Education plays a pivotal role in both individual and governmental efforts. Governments should integrate comprehensive climate education into school curricula, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious citizens. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns can inform adults about the impacts of their daily choices on the environment, encouraging more sustainable behaviors.
In conclusion, mitigating the effects of climate change requires a multi-faceted approach involving both individual action and governmental policy. While individuals can make significant impacts through lifestyle changes and conscious consumer choices, governments must lead the charge with sweeping policy reforms and international cooperation. Only through this combined effort can we hope to address the monumental challenge of climate change effectively.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6-7 Essay
Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone in the world today. There are many things that both individuals and governments can do to help reduce its effects.
For individuals, there are several ways to help. First, people can use less energy at home by turning off lights and unplugging devices when not in use. They can also use public transport, walk, or cycle instead of driving cars. Another important thing is to recycle and reduce waste. People can also choose to buy products that are environmentally friendly and avoid single-use plastics.
Governments have a bigger role to play in fighting climate change. They can make laws to control pollution from factories and cars. Governments can also invest in renewable energy like solar and wind power to replace fossil fuels. Another important step is to protect forests and plant more trees because trees help absorb carbon dioxide. Governments should also encourage companies to be more environmentally friendly by giving them incentives.
Education is also very important. Schools should teach students about climate change and how to protect the environment. Governments can also run campaigns to inform people about the importance of saving energy and reducing waste.
In conclusion, both individuals and governments need to work together to reduce the effects of climate change. While individuals can make small changes in their daily lives, governments need to make big policy changes. Only by working together can we hope to solve this serious problem.
(Word count: 234)
Band 5-6 Essay
Climate change is a very big problem in the world now. People and governments need to do things to help stop it.
People can do some things at home. They can use less electricity by turning off lights. They can also use buses or bikes instead of cars. Recycling is also good for the environment. People should also buy things that don’t harm the environment.
Governments have big jobs to do. They can make rules to stop factories from making too much pollution. They can also make more clean energy like sun and wind power. Planting trees is also good because trees help clean the air. Governments should also tell companies to be more green.
Schools should teach children about climate change. This will help them know how to protect the environment when they grow up. Governments should also tell people how to save energy and make less waste.
In the end, everyone needs to work together to help with climate change. If people and governments do their part, we can make the world better.
(Word count: 161)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellent use of language and addresses all parts of the task comprehensively:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free with only very occasional minor ‘slips’.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay shows a competent use of language, though less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are arranged coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be faulty or mechanical.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. Some attempts at more complex vocabulary are made, though there may be inaccuracies in word choice and collocation.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. While there are some errors, they do not impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates a modest use of language:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is evident but not always well-controlled. Cohesive devices are used but not always appropriately or accurately.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition. Word choice errors may occur, but do not greatly impede communication.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A limited range of structures is used. While the essay is largely comprised of simple sentences, there are attempts at complex sentences. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or bad
- Concerted (adjective) /kənˈsɜːrtɪd/ – involving a lot of people or groups working together in a determined way
- Stringent (adjective) /ˈstrɪndʒənt/ – very strict or severe
- Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – to encourage or motivate someone to do something
- Pivotal (adjective) /ˈpɪvətl/ – of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else
- Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊsɪstəm/ – all the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over a period of time without damaging the environment
- Renewable (adjective) /rɪˈnjuːəbl/ – (of a resource) not depleted when used
- Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːrbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community
Conclusion
The topic of how climate science is reshaping global policies is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Candidates should be prepared to discuss various aspects of climate change, including its causes, effects, and potential solutions at both individual and governmental levels.
To practice, try writing your own essay on the following potential future topic:
“Some people believe that international agreements on climate change are ineffective. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?”
Feel free to post your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.