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IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Managing Climate Change Impact in Coastal Cities

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Coastal city affected by climate change

Coastal city affected by climate change

Climate change and its effects on coastal cities have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This trend reflects the growing global concern about environmental issues and their impact on urban areas. Based on recent exam patterns, it’s highly likely that questions related to managing climate change in coastal regions will continue to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring responses for different band levels.

Coastal city affected by climate change

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Question

Let’s examine a question that aligns closely with recent IELTS exam trends:

Climate change is having a significant impact on coastal cities around the world. What measures can be taken to manage these effects, and who should be responsible for implementing them?

Question Analysis

This question focuses on two key aspects:

  1. Measures to manage the effects of climate change on coastal cities
  2. Responsibility for implementing these measures

To answer this question effectively, you need to:

Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response

Climate change poses an existential threat to coastal cities worldwide, necessitating urgent and comprehensive action. This essay will explore effective measures to manage these impacts and discuss the shared responsibility for their implementation.

One crucial strategy is the development of robust coastal defense systems. This includes constructing sea walls, levees, and storm surge barriers to protect urban areas from rising sea levels and extreme weather events. For instance, the Netherlands has successfully implemented an extensive network of dikes and storm surge barriers, demonstrating the effectiveness of such measures. Additionally, cities should invest in “green infrastructure” such as mangrove forests and wetlands, which act as natural buffers against storm surges and help mitigate coastal erosion.

Another vital approach is the adaptation of urban planning and infrastructure. Coastal cities must revise their building codes to ensure new structures are resilient to climate change impacts. This could involve elevating buildings, using water-resistant materials, and implementing flood-resistant designs. Moreover, cities should develop comprehensive flood management systems, including improved drainage networks and water storage facilities to cope with increased precipitation and potential flooding.

Furthermore, investing in early warning systems and disaster preparedness is crucial. Advanced weather forecasting technology and efficient evacuation plans can significantly reduce the loss of life and property damage during extreme weather events. Cities like Tokyo have implemented sophisticated early warning systems that have proven highly effective in mitigating the impact of typhoons and tsunamis.

Regarding responsibility, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Local governments should take the lead in implementing city-specific measures, as they have the most intimate knowledge of their urban landscape and unique challenges. However, national governments must provide financial support, policy frameworks, and coordination across regions. International organizations play a crucial role in sharing best practices, facilitating knowledge transfer, and providing technical assistance to less developed nations.

The private sector also bears significant responsibility. Businesses should invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and adopt sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Insurance companies can incentivize climate-adaptive measures by offering preferential rates for properties that implement such strategies.

Lastly, citizens have a vital role to play. They should actively participate in community planning processes, adopt sustainable lifestyles, and support policies aimed at enhancing urban resilience. Public awareness and education campaigns can foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourage collective action.

In conclusion, managing the impact of climate change on coastal cities requires a multi-faceted approach involving infrastructure development, urban planning, and disaster preparedness. The responsibility for implementing these measures must be shared among various stakeholders, from local authorities to individual citizens. Only through collaborative efforts can we hope to create resilient coastal cities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by our changing climate.

(Word count: 420)

Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay

This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

  1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both measures to manage climate change impacts and the responsibility for implementation.

  2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas flow logically, and cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., “Furthermore”, “Moreover”, “Lastly”).

  3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “existential threat”, “robust coastal defense systems”, “multi-stakeholder approach”).

  4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).

  5. Development and Support: Each main idea is well-developed with specific examples and explanations, showing depth of knowledge on the topic.

Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response

Climate change is a big problem for cities near the sea. There are some things we can do to help these cities, and different people should be responsible for making these changes happen.

One important way to manage climate change effects is to build strong walls and barriers to protect cities from the sea. This can help stop flooding when sea levels rise or when there are big storms. For example, some countries have already built big sea walls to protect their cities. Also, planting more trees and plants near the coast can help stop the land from being washed away.

Another thing we can do is change how we build houses and buildings in coastal cities. We should make sure new buildings are stronger and can handle floods better. This might mean building houses on higher ground or using materials that don’t get damaged by water easily. Cities should also make better systems to deal with heavy rain and flooding, like better drains and places to store extra water.

It’s also important to have good warning systems for bad weather. If people know a big storm is coming, they can leave the area and be safe. Many cities are getting better at predicting storms and telling people what to do when they happen.

As for who should be responsible, I think everyone needs to help. The local government in each city should make plans because they know their city best. But the national government needs to give money and make laws to help. Big companies should also help by using less energy and building things in a way that doesn’t hurt the environment. Regular people can help too by saving energy at home and supporting good environmental laws.

In conclusion, there are several ways to help coastal cities deal with climate change, like building sea walls, changing how we build, and having better warning systems. Everyone, from the government to ordinary people, needs to work together to make these changes happen. If we all do our part, we can help protect our coastal cities from the bad effects of climate change.

(Word count: 339)

Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

  1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the main parts of the question, discussing measures and responsibilities, but with less depth and fewer specific examples compared to the higher band essay.

  2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated (e.g., repeated use of “Also” and “Another”).

  3. Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied and precise compared to the Band 8-9 essay (e.g., “big problem”, “strong walls”, “bad weather”).

  4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences but with less variety and sophistication than the higher band essay.

  5. Development and Support: Ideas are developed, but examples and explanations are more general and less detailed than in the Band 8-9 essay.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

  1. Coastal erosion (noun) – /ˈkoʊstl ɪˈroʊʒn/ – The wearing away of land by the sea
  2. Sea level rise (noun) – /si ˈlevl raɪz/ – The increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to climate change
  3. Storm surge (noun) – /stɔrm sɜrdʒ/ – An abnormal rise of water generated by a storm
  4. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪljənt/ – Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
  5. Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
  6. Adaptation (noun) – /ˌædæpˈteɪʃn/ – The process of changing to suit different conditions
  7. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃər/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
  8. Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
  9. Stakeholder (noun) – /ˈsteɪkˌhoʊldər/ – A person with an interest or concern in something
  10. Urban planning (noun) – /ˈɜrbən ˈplænɪŋ/ – The process of designing and regulating the use of urban space

Conclusion

Managing the impact of climate change on coastal cities is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with specific examples. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare for success in your IELTS exam.

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