Climate change is a pressing global issue that requires collective action from nations worldwide. As such, it’s no surprise that the topic of promoting global cooperation to address climate change frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This article will provide you with sample essays at different band levels, along with detailed analyses to help you understand how to approach this topic effectively in your IELTS exam.
Analyzing the Topic and its Relevance
The theme of global cooperation in tackling climate change is increasingly relevant in today’s world. It has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic. This is due to its global significance and the ongoing international efforts to combat climate change.
For our sample essays, we’ll focus on the following question:
Some people believe that international cooperation is the only way to tackle global environmental issues like climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analyzing the Question
This question asks for your opinion on whether international cooperation is the sole solution to global environmental problems, specifically mentioning climate change. Key points to consider:
- The phrase “the only way” is crucial. You need to decide if you agree that international cooperation is the exclusive solution or if there are other effective approaches.
- The question focuses on “global environmental issues,” with climate change as an example. You can discuss climate change specifically or broaden your response to include other global environmental concerns.
- You need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Climate change is undoubtedly one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. While some argue that international cooperation is the only viable solution to this global crisis, I partially agree with this view. Although international collaboration is crucial, it is not the sole answer to tackling climate change effectively.
International cooperation is indeed vital in addressing climate change for several reasons. Firstly, the nature of climate change is global, with greenhouse gas emissions from one country affecting the entire planet. Therefore, a coordinated global response is necessary to reduce emissions and mitigate their impacts. The Paris Agreement, signed by 196 countries, exemplifies how international cooperation can set common goals and standards for climate action. Secondly, collaborative efforts enable the sharing of resources, technology, and knowledge across borders. For instance, developed nations can assist developing countries in adopting clean energy technologies, thus accelerating the global transition to sustainable practices.
However, it would be an oversimplification to claim that international cooperation alone can solve the climate crisis. Local and national initiatives play an equally important role. Individual countries must implement their own policies and regulations to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and protect natural resources. For example, Norway’s success in electric vehicle adoption is largely due to national policies offering incentives and infrastructure support. Moreover, grassroots movements and community-led initiatives are crucial in driving behavioral changes and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility at the local level.
Furthermore, the private sector’s involvement is indispensable in tackling climate change. Businesses and corporations have the power to innovate and implement sustainable practices on a large scale. Tesla’s advancement of electric vehicle technology and Google’s commitment to using 100% renewable energy demonstrate how private enterprises can contribute significantly to climate solutions without necessarily relying on international agreements.
In conclusion, while international cooperation is undoubtedly a cornerstone in addressing global environmental issues like climate change, it is not the only solution. A multifaceted approach combining global collaboration, national policies, local initiatives, and private sector innovation is necessary to effectively combat climate change. By leveraging the strengths of each level of action, we can create a more comprehensive and robust response to this global challenge.
(Word count: 345)
Global cooperation on climate change
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
Climate change is a big problem that affects everyone on Earth. Some people think that the only way to solve this issue is through international cooperation. I agree that working together internationally is very important, but I don’t think it’s the only solution.
International cooperation is definitely necessary for dealing with climate change. This is because the problem is global, and what one country does affects everyone else. For example, the Paris Agreement shows how countries can work together to set goals for reducing greenhouse gases. Also, when countries cooperate, they can share new technologies and ideas to help fight climate change. Rich countries can help poorer ones get cleaner energy, which is good for everyone.
However, I believe that other actions are also important in tackling climate change. Each country needs to have its own laws and rules to protect the environment. For instance, some countries have made laws to use more renewable energy or to reduce plastic waste. These local actions are very important too. Also, people and communities can make a big difference by changing their habits, like using less energy or recycling more.
Companies and businesses also play a big role in fighting climate change. They can create new technologies that are better for the environment. For example, some car companies are making electric cars that don’t pollute as much. These kinds of innovations can help a lot in reducing the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, I think that international cooperation is very important for tackling climate change, but it’s not the only solution. We need a mix of global teamwork, country-level actions, and efforts from businesses and individuals to really make a difference. By doing all these things together, we have a better chance of solving the problem of climate change.
(Word count: 295)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Climate change is a big problem in the world today. Some people say that countries must work together to solve this problem. I think this is partly true, but not completely.
Working together between countries is very important. Climate change affects all countries, so they need to help each other. The Paris Agreement is a good example of this. Many countries agreed to reduce pollution together. Also, rich countries can help poor countries get better technology to reduce pollution.
But I think there are other important things too. Each country must have its own rules to protect nature. For example, some countries make laws to use more clean energy like solar power. This is also very important. People in their own towns and cities can also help by doing things like using less electricity or recycling more.
Big companies can also help fight climate change. They can make new things that are good for the environment. For example, some companies make cars that don’t use petrol, which is better for the air.
To finish, I think countries working together is very important for climate change, but it’s not the only way. We need countries to work together, but also each country, each person, and companies to do their part. This way, we can have a better chance to solve the problem of climate change.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a nuanced view. It acknowledges the importance of international cooperation while arguing that it’s not the sole solution.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear progression throughout. Each paragraph has a central topic, and ideas are logically connected using a range of cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “multifaceted approach,” “grassroots movements,” “indispensable”). The essay demonstrates flexible use of less common words and phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a wide range of complex structures accurately. There’s a good mix of simple and complex sentences, with no noticeable errors.
Band 6-7 Essay Explanation
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear position. However, the ideas are less fully developed compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the linking between ideas is sometimes less smooth. Paragraphs have clear central topics.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, but less sophisticated than the Band 8-9 essay. There’s good use of topic-specific vocabulary (e.g., “renewable energy,” “greenhouse gases”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control. There are no major errors that impede communication.
Band 5-6 Essay Explanation
This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but with noticeable limitations:
Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the ideas are less developed and sometimes repetitive.
Coherence and Cohesion: There’s a clear overall structure, but paragraphing is less skillful. Some linking words are used, but not always effectively.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task but limited in range. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made, but not always successfully.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mainly simple sentences with some attempts at complex structures. There are some errors, but they don’t significantly impede communication.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Global cooperation (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbəl kəʊˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/ – Worldwide collaboration or teamwork
- Climate change (noun phrase) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term shifts in global weather patterns
- Mitigate (verb) – /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – To make less severe or reduce the negative impacts
- Sustainable (adjective) – /səˈsteɪnəbəl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain level without depleting natural resources
- Renewable energy (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbəl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished
- Emissions (noun) – /ɪˈmɪʃənz/ – The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation
- Grassroots movements (noun phrase) – /ˈɡrɑːsruːts ˈmuːvmənts/ – Political or social initiatives driven by local communities
- Innovation (noun) – /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ – The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products
- Multifaceted approach (noun phrase) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that considers many different aspects of a problem
- Greenhouse gases (noun phrase) – /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˈɡæsɪz/ – Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation
Conclusion
Promoting global cooperation in tackling climate change is a crucial topic that’s likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. By studying these sample essays and understanding the scoring criteria, you can improve your ability to write a well-structured, coherent response that demonstrates a good command of English.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- Discuss the role of developed countries in helping developing nations combat climate change.
- Some people believe that individual actions are more important than government policies in fighting climate change. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements in addressing global environmental issues.
Remember to practice regularly and focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and essay structure. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!