IELTS Writing Task 2 often challenges candidates with topics related to business and sustainability. One such recurring theme is “how to promote sustainable corporate practices.” This essay topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests due to the growing global emphasis on corporate sustainability.
Let’s examine a sample question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that companies should be required by law to implement sustainable practices. Others argue that businesses should have the freedom to choose their operational methods. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that laws should mandate sustainable corporate practices
- Explore the opposing view that businesses should have operational freedom
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The debate over whether companies should be legally obligated to adopt sustainable practices or retain the freedom to choose their operational methods is a complex and pressing issue in today’s business world. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that a balanced approach combining legislation and corporate autonomy is the most effective way to promote sustainable business practices.
Proponents of mandating sustainable practices by law argue that this approach ensures widespread adoption of environmentally friendly and socially responsible business methods. They contend that without legal requirements, many companies would prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability, potentially causing irreversible damage to the environment and society. For instance, strict regulations on carbon emissions have forced many industries to invest in cleaner technologies, significantly reducing their environmental impact.
On the other hand, those who advocate for business freedom argue that companies should have the flexibility to determine their own operational strategies. They believe that market forces and consumer preferences will naturally drive businesses towards sustainability without the need for heavy-handed legislation. This view suggests that innovative and efficient sustainable practices are more likely to emerge when businesses have the freedom to experiment and adapt. Tesla’s success in revolutionizing the electric vehicle market is often cited as an example of how corporate innovation can lead to sustainable outcomes without direct legal mandates.
In my opinion, the most effective approach lies in striking a balance between these two perspectives. While some basic legal requirements for sustainability are necessary to establish a minimum standard and prevent egregious environmental and social harm, businesses should also have sufficient freedom to innovate and find unique solutions. This balanced approach could involve setting broad sustainability targets through legislation while allowing companies flexibility in how they achieve these goals. Additionally, governments could offer incentives for companies that exceed minimum sustainability requirements, thereby encouraging continuous improvement and innovation in sustainable practices.
In conclusion, while the debate between mandating sustainable practices and allowing business freedom is ongoing, a nuanced approach that combines elements of both viewpoints is likely to yield the best results. By setting clear sustainability expectations through legislation while still allowing room for corporate innovation, we can create a business environment that is both economically vibrant and environmentally responsible.
(Word count: 345)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether companies should be forced by law to use sustainable practices or be free to choose how they operate is a difficult one. There are good reasons for both sides of this argument.
Some people think that laws should make companies use sustainable practices. They believe this is important because many businesses only care about making money and don’t think about the environment. For example, if there were no laws, some factories might dump waste in rivers or release a lot of pollution into the air. Laws can make sure all companies follow good practices and help protect the planet.
However, others argue that businesses should be free to decide how they work. They think that companies can come up with better and more creative ways to be sustainable if they are not restricted by strict laws. Also, some believe that customers will choose to buy from sustainable companies, so businesses will become more environmentally friendly on their own to attract customers.
In my opinion, I think we need a mix of both approaches. Some basic laws are necessary to make sure all companies meet minimum standards for sustainability. But companies should also have some freedom to find their own ways to be environmentally friendly. This could encourage innovation and help businesses find new solutions that work well for them and for the environment.
To conclude, while there are good arguments for both legally requiring sustainable practices and allowing business freedom, I believe a combination of both approaches is best. This way, we can ensure all companies meet basic standards while still encouraging them to find new and better ways to be sustainable.
(Word count: 275)
Key Writing Tips
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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 higher band scores.
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Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases like “irreversible damage,” “heavy-handed legislation,” and “egregious environmental harm.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still effectively conveys the ideas.
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Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions but maintains grammatical accuracy.
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Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay does so more skillfully and varied.
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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 personal opinion.
Important Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable practices (noun): Methods of operating that do not deplete resources or harm the environment
Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ -
Corporate autonomy (noun): The freedom of businesses to make their own decisions
Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːrpərət ɔːˈtɒnəmi/ -
Mandate (verb): To officially require or order
Pronunciation: /ˈmændeɪt/ -
Environmentally friendly (adjective): Not harmful to the environment
Pronunciation: /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentəli ˈfrendli/ -
Innovation (noun): The introduction of new ideas or methods
Pronunciation: /ˌɪnəˈveɪʃən/ -
Incentive (noun): Something that encourages a particular action
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsentɪv/ -
Egregious (adjective): Outstandingly bad; shocking
Pronunciation: /ɪˈɡriːdʒəs/ -
Nuanced (adjective): Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions
Pronunciation: /ˈnjuːɑːnst/
In conclusion, the topic of promoting sustainable corporate practices is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects of corporate sustainability, such as the role of technology in sustainable business practices or the impact of sustainable corporate policies on economic growth. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics and stay informed about current trends in corporate sustainability.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your IELTS writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the exam.