In recent years, the topic of sustainable supply chains has gained significant traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This trend reflects the growing global concern for environmental sustainability and ethical business practices. Based on past exam patterns and current environmental issues, we can expect this theme to appear more frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that aligns with this topic and prepare a comprehensive response.

Some people believe that companies should focus solely on profit, while others argue that they have a responsibility to consider their environmental impact. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question touches on the core debate surrounding sustainable supply chains. It requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the view that companies should prioritize profit above all else.
2. Explore the perspective that companies have an environmental responsibility.
3. Provide a personal opinion on the matter.

The key challenge here is to balance both viewpoints while clearly articulating your own stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 7-8)

In today’s globalized economy, the role of businesses in society is under intense scrutiny. While some argue that companies should focus exclusively on maximizing profits, others contend that they have a broader responsibility to consider their environmental impact. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own view on this critical issue.

Those who believe that companies should prioritize profit often argue that this is the fundamental purpose of business. They contend that by focusing on financial success, companies create jobs, drive economic growth, and ultimately benefit society through increased prosperity. Moreover, proponents of this view might argue that environmental concerns are the responsibility of governments, not private enterprises. They might also point out that many eco-friendly initiatives can be costly and potentially harm a company’s competitiveness in the short term.

On the other hand, advocates for corporate environmental responsibility argue that businesses have a moral obligation to consider their impact on the planet. They emphasize that environmental degradation affects everyone, and companies, as major contributors to pollution and resource depletion, must be part of the solution. This perspective holds that sustainable practices can actually enhance long-term profitability by improving efficiency, attracting environmentally conscious consumers, and avoiding potential regulatory penalties. Furthermore, they argue that companies have the resources and innovation capacity to drive significant positive environmental change.

In my opinion, while profit is undeniably important for business survival and growth, it should not come at the expense of environmental sustainability. I believe that companies can and should strive to balance financial success with ecological responsibility. This approach, often referred to as the “triple bottom line” – considering people, planet, and profit – is not only ethically sound but also strategically wise in an era of increasing environmental awareness and regulation.

In conclusion, the debate between profit focus and environmental responsibility is not a zero-sum game. Forward-thinking companies are demonstrating that it’s possible to achieve financial success while also being good stewards of the environment. As consumers, investors, and employees increasingly value sustainability, businesses that embrace this dual focus are likely to thrive in the long run.

(Word count: 329)

Sustainable Supply Chain Diagram

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The role of companies in society is a topic of much debate. Some people think businesses should only care about making money, while others believe they need to think about their impact on the environment too. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.

Those who say companies should focus on profit argue that this is the main job of a business. They think that when companies make money, they create jobs and help the economy grow. This can make life better for everyone. They might also say that taking care of the environment is the government’s job, not something businesses should worry about. Some people think that being environmentally friendly can be expensive and might make it harder for companies to compete with others.

On the other hand, people who think companies should care about the environment say that businesses have a duty to protect the planet. They point out that when companies pollute or use up resources, it affects everyone. They believe that being environmentally friendly can actually help companies make more money in the long run by saving resources and attracting customers who care about the environment. They also think that companies have the money and ideas to make big positive changes for the environment.

In my view, I think companies should try to make money and protect the environment at the same time. While profit is important for a business to survive and grow, it shouldn’t come at the cost of damaging our planet. I believe that companies can find ways to be successful while also being responsible about the environment. This approach is good for the company’s reputation and can help them avoid problems with environmental laws in the future.

To conclude, I don’t think companies have to choose between making money and being environmentally friendly. Many successful businesses are showing that it’s possible to do both. As more people start to care about the environment, companies that balance profit and environmental responsibility are likely to do well in the future.

(Word count: 329)

Key Writing Tips

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, a paragraph for personal opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.

2. Cohesion and Coherence: The higher band essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases (e.g., “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” “On the other hand”) compared to the simpler transitions in the lower band essay (e.g., “Also,” “On the other hand”).

3. Vocabulary: The Band 7-8 essay employs more advanced vocabulary and phrases (e.g., “intense scrutiny,” “fundamental purpose,” “ecological responsibility”) while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language.

4. Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and passive voice, while the lower band essay relies more on simple and compound sentences.

5. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 7-8 essay provides more detailed and nuanced arguments.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time
2. Environmental impact (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈɪmpækt/ – the effect of human activities on the natural environment
3. Corporate responsibility (noun phrase) /ˈkɔːpərət rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ – a company’s sense of duty towards the community and environment
4. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
5. Resource depletion (noun phrase) /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃn/ – the consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished
6. Triple bottom line (noun phrase) /ˈtrɪpl ˈbɒtəm laɪn/ – a framework that recommends focusing on social, environmental, and financial success
7. Environmental degradation (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources
8. Ethical sourcing (noun phrase) /ˈeθɪkl ˈsɔːsɪŋ/ – the process of ensuring the products being sourced are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way

Conclusion

The topic of sustainable supply chains and corporate environmental responsibility is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays that balance different viewpoints while clearly expressing your own opinion. Focus on developing a rich vocabulary related to sustainability and business ethics, and work on incorporating complex grammatical structures into your writing. Remember to always address all parts of the question and provide specific examples to support your arguments.

For further practice, consider exploring related topics such as:

• The role of government regulations in promoting sustainable business practices
• The impact of consumer choices on corporate environmental policies
• The challenges and opportunities of implementing sustainable supply chains in developing countries

By mastering these skills and staying informed about current environmental and business issues, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this important topic.