The topic of managing the transition to a low-carbon economy has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This trend reflects the growing global concern about climate change and the need for sustainable economic practices. Based on past exam patterns and current environmental issues, we can expect this theme to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore some potential questions and focus on one for our sample essays.
Analyzing the Question
For this article, we’ll focus on the following question:
Some people believe that the transition to a low-carbon economy should be led by governments, while others argue that businesses should take the lead. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question touches on a crucial aspect of the low-carbon transition: leadership and responsibility. It requires candidates to consider the roles of both government and business sectors in driving this change, and to form their own opinion on the matter.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The global shift towards a low-carbon economy is an urgent necessity in the face of climate change. While some advocate for government-led initiatives, others contend that businesses should spearhead this transition. In my view, a collaborative approach involving both sectors is essential for effective and sustainable change.
Proponents of government leadership argue that policymakers have the authority and resources to implement far-reaching changes. Governments can enact legislation to regulate emissions, provide subsidies for renewable energy, and invest in green infrastructure. For instance, the European Union’s Green Deal demonstrates how governmental bodies can set comprehensive targets and allocate substantial funds to facilitate a low-carbon transition across multiple sectors.
On the other hand, those who favor business-led initiatives emphasize the private sector’s capacity for innovation and efficiency. Companies have the flexibility to quickly adapt their practices and develop new technologies. Tesla’s impact on the electric vehicle market illustrates how businesses can drive rapid advancements in sustainable technologies. Moreover, market competition can accelerate the adoption of low-carbon solutions as firms strive to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly products.
However, I believe that the most effective approach is a synergy between government and business efforts. Governments can create the framework through policies and regulations, while businesses provide the innovation and implementation. For example, government carbon pricing schemes can incentivize companies to invest in cleaner technologies. Simultaneously, businesses can inform policy-making by sharing insights from their market experiences and technological developments.
In conclusion, while both government and business leadership have their merits, a collaborative strategy is crucial for managing the transition to a low-carbon economy. This partnership can ensure that environmental policies are both ambitious and practical, leveraging the strengths of both sectors to achieve a sustainable future.
(308 words)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The transition to a low-carbon economy is an important topic today. Some people think governments should lead this change, while others believe businesses should be in charge. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Governments have a lot of power to make big changes. They can make laws that force companies to reduce pollution. For example, they can put taxes on carbon emissions or give money to clean energy projects. Governments also have more money to spend on things like public transport or electric car charging stations. This can help everyone in the country move towards a greener lifestyle.
On the other hand, businesses can be very good at finding new solutions. They are often quicker to try new ideas than governments. Companies can invent new technologies that help reduce carbon emissions. For instance, some car companies are making electric cars that are becoming popular. Businesses also listen to what customers want, so if people want more eco-friendly products, companies will make them.
In my opinion, both governments and businesses need to work together to manage the change to a low-carbon economy. Governments can make rules and give support, while businesses can come up with new ideas and make them happen. If they work together, we can make better progress.
To conclude, the transition to a low-carbon economy needs both government leadership and business innovation. By combining their strengths, we can make faster and more effective changes to protect our environment.
(234 words)
Key Writing Tips
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each view, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and phrases like “far-reaching changes”, “spearhead this transition”, and “synergy”. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still incorporates relevant topic-specific terms.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex structures, such as “While some advocate for…, others contend that…”. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler structures but still maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed examples and a more nuanced opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated linking words and phrases, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
Key Vocabulary for This Topic
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Low-carbon economy (noun phrase) /loʊ ˈkɑːrbən iˈkɒnəmi/ – An economy based on low carbon power sources that has a minimal output of greenhouse gas emissions.
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Transition (noun) /trænˈzɪʃən/ – The process or period of changing from one state or condition to another.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
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Renewable energy (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Carbon emissions (noun phrase) /ˈkɑːrbən iˈmɪʃənz/ – The release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
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Green infrastructure (noun phrase) /ɡriːn ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃər/ – A network providing the “ingredients” for solving urban and climatic challenges by building with nature.
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Innovation (noun) /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The action or process of innovating; a new method, idea, product, etc.
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Incentivize (verb) /ɪnˈsentɪvaɪz/ – To motivate or encourage (someone) to do something; provide with an incentive.
Low-carbon economy transition
Conclusion
Managing the transition to a low-carbon economy is a complex and multifaceted challenge that requires the involvement of both governments and businesses. As this topic continues to be relevant in global discussions, it’s likely to appear in various forms in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.
To prepare for such questions, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of individual actions in combating climate change
- The economic impacts of transitioning to renewable energy sources
- The challenges and benefits of implementing carbon pricing
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use relevant vocabulary, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.
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