Overconsumption in developed nations is a pressing issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This topic has been featured in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to its global significance. Let’s explore this theme through sample essay questions and provide model answers for different band scores.
Analyzing the Essay Question
Let’s focus on a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Many people believe that developed countries have a higher responsibility to combat climate change than developing countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question touches on the core issue of overconsumption in developed nations and its impact on climate change. It requires candidates to consider the responsibilities of different nations based on their level of development.
Essay Sample for Band 8-9
Here’s a model essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Climate change is undeniably one of the most pressing issues of our time, and the debate over which countries should bear the primary responsibility for addressing it is both complex and contentious. While I acknowledge that all nations have a role to play in combating this global threat, I strongly agree that developed countries should shoulder a greater burden in this fight.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that developed nations have historically been the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The industrial revolutions that propelled these countries to economic prosperity were largely fueled by fossil fuels, leading to decades of unchecked carbon emissions. This historical context means that developed countries have effectively borrowed from the future of our planet to achieve their current standard of living. It is therefore morally incumbent upon them to take the lead in rectifying this imbalance.
Moreover, developed nations possess the technological and financial resources necessary to spearhead the transition to sustainable practices. These countries have the capacity to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, fund research and development for green technologies, and implement stringent environmental policies without jeopardizing their citizens’ basic needs. In contrast, many developing nations are still struggling to provide essential services like healthcare and education to their populations. Expecting these countries to prioritize climate change mitigation over immediate developmental needs would be both unrealistic and unfair.
However, it is important to note that this increased responsibility for developed nations does not absolve developing countries of their own obligations. As emerging economies grow, their environmental impact also increases. A collaborative approach, where developed countries provide support and technology transfer to developing nations, would be most effective in addressing climate change on a global scale.
In conclusion, while combating climate change requires a concerted global effort, developed countries must indeed take on a greater share of the responsibility. Their historical contributions to the problem, combined with their superior resources and capabilities, make them best positioned to lead the charge against this existential threat. By doing so, they can not only address their moral obligation but also pave the way for a more sustainable future for all nations.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear position: The writer clearly states their agreement with the statement in the introduction and maintains this position throughout.
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Well-developed arguments: Each paragraph presents a distinct, well-explained reason for the writer’s position.
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Balanced view: While agreeing with the statement, the essay acknowledges the role of developing countries, showing a nuanced understanding of the issue.
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Cohesion and coherence: The essay flows logically, with clear transitions between ideas.
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Lexical resource: The use of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic language enhances the essay’s quality.
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Grammar: Complex sentence structures are used accurately and effectively.
Essay Sample for Band 6-7
Now, let’s look at an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In today’s world, climate change is a big problem that affects everyone. Some people think that rich countries should do more to fight it than poor countries. I mostly agree with this idea.
Rich countries have been using lots of energy and making pollution for a long time. They became rich by using things like coal and oil, which are bad for the environment. Because they did this for many years, they should now take more responsibility for fixing the problem they helped create.
Also, rich countries have more money and better technology to help solve climate change. They can spend money on new ways to make clean energy, like solar panels and wind turbines. Poor countries often don’t have enough money for these things because they need to focus on basic needs like food and healthcare for their people.
But this doesn’t mean poor countries shouldn’t do anything. As they grow and use more energy, they also need to think about the environment. Rich countries can help by sharing their knowledge and technology with poorer countries.
In conclusion, I think rich countries should do more to fight climate change because they caused a lot of the problem and have more resources to fix it. However, all countries need to work together to make real progress in protecting our planet.
(Word count: 218)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Clear position: The writer’s opinion is stated, though less forcefully than in the higher band essay.
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Adequate development: The main ideas are explained, but with less depth and fewer specific examples.
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Simpler language: The vocabulary and sentence structures are less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Basic cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but transitions between ideas are less smooth.
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Grammar: There are fewer complex sentences, and the range of structures is more limited.
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Length: The essay is shorter, which limits the depth of argument development.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Climate change (noun) /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
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Greenhouse gas emissions (noun phrase) /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ɡæs ɪˈmɪʃənz/: Release of gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
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Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbəl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished.
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities.
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Environmental impact (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/: The effect of human activities on the natural environment.
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Fossil fuels (noun) /ˈfɒsl fjuːəlz/: Natural fuels formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
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Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃən/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
Conclusion
Addressing overconsumption in developed nations is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of various factors. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice writing essays on similar themes such as:
- The role of individual actions versus government policies in combating climate change.
- The impact of consumerism on the environment and potential solutions.
- The challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a green economy.
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!