The topic of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Its frequency in past tests suggests a high likelihood of appearing in future exams. This article will provide you with sample essays and analysis to help you tackle this challenging subject effectively.

Let’s examine a typical question on this topic:

Some people believe that economic growth is necessary for a country’s development, while others argue that it often comes at the expense of the environment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that economic growth is necessary for development
2. Discuss the opposing view that economic growth harms the environment
3. Provide your own opinion on the matter

Now, let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, one targeting a Band 8-9 score and another for a Band 6-7 score.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Economic development and environmental protection have long been seen as conflicting goals. While some argue that economic growth is crucial for a nation’s progress, others contend that it often comes at a significant environmental cost. In my opinion, both aspects are vital, and countries must strive to achieve a balance between the two.

Proponents of economic growth argue that it is essential for improving living standards and reducing poverty. As economies expand, they generate more jobs, increase incomes, and provide resources for better healthcare and education. For instance, China’s rapid economic growth over the past few decades has lifted millions out of poverty and significantly improved the quality of life for its citizens. Furthermore, economic development often leads to technological advancements that can, in turn, contribute to more efficient and environmentally friendly practices.

On the other hand, those prioritizing environmental concerns point out that unchecked economic growth can lead to severe ecological damage. The pursuit of rapid industrialization and urbanization has resulted in deforestation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity in many parts of the world. The environmental degradation caused by economic activities not only threatens ecosystems but also poses risks to human health and long-term sustainability. For example, the smog problems in many major cities and the ongoing climate crisis are direct consequences of prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection.

In my view, the key lies in finding a sustainable balance between economic development and environmental conservation. This can be achieved through various means, such as investing in renewable energy sources, implementing stricter environmental regulations, and promoting green technologies. Countries like Germany and Denmark have shown that it is possible to maintain strong economies while also being leaders in environmental protection. By adopting circular economy principles and encouraging sustainable business practices, nations can pursue growth without compromising the planet’s health.

In conclusion, while economic growth is undoubtedly important for a country’s development, it should not come at the expense of irreversible environmental damage. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to create sustainable development models that ensure both economic prosperity and ecological well-being for current and future generations.

(Word count: 345)

Balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

The question of whether economic growth is necessary for a country’s development or if it harms the environment is a complex issue. There are valid arguments on both sides, and I will discuss these views before giving my own opinion.

On one hand, many people believe that economic growth is crucial for a country’s development. When the economy grows, it creates more jobs and increases people’s incomes. This means that people can afford better food, housing, and education. For example, in developing countries, economic growth has helped reduce poverty and improve living standards. Also, with more money, governments can invest in better healthcare and infrastructure, which benefits everyone.

However, others argue that economic growth often damages the environment. As countries try to develop quickly, they might cut down forests, pollute rivers, and release more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This can lead to problems like climate change and loss of wildlife. For instance, in some rapidly growing cities, air pollution has become a serious health issue for residents. These environmental problems can have long-lasting effects that are hard to fix.

In my opinion, both economic growth and environmental protection are important, but we need to find a way to balance them. I think it’s possible to have economic development without severely damaging the environment. Countries should focus on sustainable growth by using clean energy sources like solar and wind power. They should also have strict laws to protect nature and encourage businesses to use environmentally friendly practices.

To conclude, while economic growth is necessary for improving people’s lives, it shouldn’t come at the cost of destroying our planet. Governments and businesses need to work together to find ways to grow the economy while also protecting the environment for future generations.

(Word count: 296)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Ensure your essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point.

2. Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary related to the topic. For higher band scores, incorporate more sophisticated and less common words and phrases.

3. Grammar: Use a variety of sentence structures and tenses. Higher band scores require more complex structures without errors.

4. Cohesion: Use linking words and phrases to connect ideas smoothly within and between paragraphs.

5. Task Response: Fully address all parts of the question and provide relevant examples to support your points.

Important Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources

2. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat

3. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power

4. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community

5. Circular economy (noun) /ˈsɜːkjələr iˈkɒnəmi/ – an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources

6. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment

7. Green technology (noun) /griːn tekˈnɒlədʒi/ – technology that is environmentally friendly

8. Industrialization (noun) /ɪnˌdʌstriəlaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the development of industries in a country on a wide scale

9. Urbanization (noun) /ˌɜːbənaɪˈzeɪʃn/ – the process of making an area more urban

10. Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – a biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment

Conclusion

Balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is a crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires a nuanced understanding of both economic development and environmental protection. Practice writing essays on this topic, considering various aspects such as renewable energy, sustainable business practices, and government policies.

For further practice, you might encounter questions like:

1. “Do you think economic growth is more important than environmental protection? Why or why not?”
2. “How can governments encourage businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly practices without hindering economic growth?”
3. “Some people believe that environmental problems are too big for individual countries to solve. To what extent do you agree or disagree?”

We encourage you to practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for your IELTS exam.

To further enhance your understanding of related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• How to Promote Sustainable Economic Development
• The Impact of Global Trade on Environmental Sustainability
• The Role of Renewable Energy in Economic Growth

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice and continuous improvement. Good luck with your preparation!