Sustainability in business has become a crucial topic in recent years, and it’s no surprise that it frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This essay topic not only tests your writing skills but also your understanding of modern business practices and environmental concerns. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to sustainable business practices in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and learn how to craft a high-scoring response.
Some people believe that businesses should prioritize profit over environmental concerns. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on the balance between profit and environmental responsibility in business. It’s a classic agree/disagree type question, which requires you to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and reasoning.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
In today’s world, where environmental issues are becoming increasingly pressing, the debate over whether businesses should prioritize profit or environmental concerns has gained significant attention. While I acknowledge the importance of financial sustainability for businesses, I firmly believe that environmental responsibility should be given equal, if not greater, priority.
Firstly, it is crucial to recognize that long-term profitability is intrinsically linked to environmental sustainability. Companies that ignore environmental concerns may enjoy short-term financial gains, but they risk facing severe consequences in the future. For instance, businesses that rely on unsustainable practices may deplete natural resources, leading to increased costs and potential business failure in the long run. Moreover, as consumers become more environmentally conscious, companies that prioritize eco-friendly practices often gain a competitive edge, attracting more customers and ultimately increasing their profits.
Secondly, businesses have a moral obligation to protect the environment for future generations. The impact of corporate activities on the environment is significant, and ignoring this responsibility can lead to irreversible damage to ecosystems and human health. For example, the devastating effects of industrial pollution on air and water quality have been well-documented, highlighting the need for businesses to take proactive measures to minimize their environmental footprint.
However, it is important to acknowledge that balancing profit and environmental concerns can be challenging, especially for small businesses or those operating in competitive markets. In such cases, government support and incentives can play a crucial role in encouraging sustainable practices without compromising financial viability. This could include tax breaks for eco-friendly initiatives or grants for implementing green technologies.
In conclusion, while profit is undeniably important for business survival, I strongly believe that it should not come at the expense of environmental protection. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can contribute to a healthier planet while also securing their long-term financial success. It is essential for companies to recognize that environmental responsibility and profitability are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary goals that can be achieved simultaneously.
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
In the modern world, there is a big debate about whether businesses should focus more on making money or protecting the environment. While both are important, I think that environmental concerns should be given more attention by businesses.
One reason for this is that taking care of the environment can actually help businesses make more money in the long run. For example, if a company uses less energy or produces less waste, it can save money on bills and materials. Also, many customers today prefer to buy from companies that are environmentally friendly, so this can help businesses attract more customers and increase their sales.
Another important point is that businesses have a responsibility to help protect the planet. If companies only care about making money and ignore the damage they do to the environment, it can cause serious problems for everyone. For instance, pollution from factories can make people sick and harm nature. By being more environmentally responsible, businesses can help create a better world for everyone.
However, it’s true that some businesses might find it hard to balance making money with protecting the environment, especially smaller companies. In these cases, the government could help by giving rewards or support to businesses that try to be more eco-friendly. This could encourage more companies to care about the environment without worrying too much about losing money.
In conclusion, I believe that businesses should not only focus on making profits but should also prioritize environmental concerns. By doing this, they can help create a better future for everyone while still being successful. It’s important for companies to understand that they can make money and protect the environment at the same time.
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.
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Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.
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Arguments: Both essays present similar arguments, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and deeper analysis.
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Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of cohesive devices and demonstrates better overall coherence.
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Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the Band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced perspective and more fully developed ideas.
Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/: To arrange items or tasks in order of importance.
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Environmental footprint (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The impact of human activities on the environment.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/: Not harmful to the environment.
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Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Viability (noun) /ˌvaɪəˈbɪləti/: The ability to work successfully or be successful.
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Complementary (adjective) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/: Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other.
In conclusion, developing a sustainable business plan is a crucial skill for both IELTS success and real-world business practices. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as corporate social responsibility, green technology in business, or the role of governments in promoting sustainable business practices. Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and get feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam. Good luck with your preparation!
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