Sustainable development through education is a crucial topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on past exam trends and current global concerns, this theme is likely to remain prevalent in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring responses for different band levels.
IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays
Analyzing the Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that schools should focus on teaching academic subjects, while others think schools should prioritize teaching about sustainable development and environmental issues. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the importance of academic subjects in schools
- Explore the significance of teaching sustainable development and environmental issues
- Provide your personal opinion on the balance between these two educational approaches
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by an analysis of each.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Education plays a pivotal role in shaping future generations, and the debate over curriculum priorities is crucial. While some argue for a focus on traditional academic subjects, others advocate for emphasizing sustainable development and environmental education. In my opinion, a balanced approach incorporating both elements is essential for preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Proponents of traditional academic subjects argue that a strong foundation in core disciplines like mathematics, sciences, and languages is crucial for students’ future academic and professional success. These subjects develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and provide the knowledge base necessary for higher education and specialized careers. For instance, a solid grounding in mathematics and physics is indispensable for future engineers or scientists who may contribute to technological advancements.
On the other hand, those advocating for sustainable development and environmental education argue that these topics are vital for addressing global challenges. As climate change and resource depletion become increasingly pressing issues, educating students about sustainability equips them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to solutions. This approach fosters environmental stewardship, encourages responsible citizenship, and prepares students to tackle real-world problems. For example, students learning about renewable energy sources may be inspired to pursue careers in clean technology innovation.
In my view, the ideal educational approach should integrate both traditional academic subjects and sustainability education. Schools can incorporate environmental themes into existing subjects, such as studying climate science within physics or exploring sustainable urban planning in geography. This interdisciplinary approach not only provides a well-rounded education but also demonstrates the real-world applications of academic knowledge. Furthermore, dedicated courses on sustainable development can complement the core curriculum, ensuring students graduate with both strong academic foundations and an understanding of global sustainability challenges.
In conclusion, while academic subjects are crucial for intellectual development, the integration of sustainable development education is equally important in today’s world. By adopting a balanced curriculum that combines both aspects, schools can produce well-informed, skilled, and environmentally conscious citizens capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.
(Word count: 329)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical four-paragraph structure with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and presents the writer’s opinion.
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Coherent arguments: Each paragraph develops a clear main idea with relevant examples and explanations.
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Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses sophisticated vocabulary accurately, such as “pivotal,” “indispensable,” and “interdisciplinary.”
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Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of complex sentences, demonstrating excellent grammatical control.
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Addressing all parts of the question: The essay discusses both views and clearly states the writer’s opinion.
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Cohesive devices: Appropriate linking words and phrases are used throughout to ensure smooth transitions between ideas.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Education is important for young people, and there is a debate about what schools should teach. Some people think schools should focus on academic subjects, while others believe teaching about sustainable development and the environment is more important. I think both are important, but schools should give more attention to sustainable development.
Academic subjects like math, science, and languages are important because they give students basic knowledge and skills. These subjects help students think logically and solve problems. For example, learning math can help students in their future jobs or when they go to university. Also, these subjects have been taught for a long time and are part of traditional education.
However, teaching about sustainable development and environmental issues is becoming more important. Our world faces many problems like climate change and pollution, so students need to learn about these issues. If schools teach about sustainability, students can understand how to protect the environment and use resources wisely. This knowledge can help them make better decisions in the future and maybe even find solutions to environmental problems.
In my opinion, schools should focus more on teaching sustainable development, but not ignore academic subjects. They can try to combine both by including environmental topics in regular subjects. For instance, in science class, students can learn about renewable energy. This way, students can learn academic subjects and about sustainability at the same time.
To conclude, while academic subjects are important, I believe schools should give more attention to teaching about sustainable development and environmental issues. This will help prepare students for the challenges they will face in the future.
(Word count: 268)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
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Adequate structure: The essay has a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. However, the development of ideas could be more thorough.
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Relevant ideas: The essay addresses the question and presents relevant arguments for both views.
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Appropriate vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary, but the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Grammar: The essay shows good control of grammar with some complex sentences, but lacks the sophistication of higher band scores.
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Task achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question, including the writer’s opinion, but could provide more detailed examples and explanations.
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Cohesion: Basic linking words are used, but the essay could benefit from more varied cohesive devices.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable development (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Economic development that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.
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Environmental stewardship (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːərdʃɪp/ – The responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.
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Interdisciplinary (adjective) – /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ – Involving two or more academic disciplines or fields of study.
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Resource depletion (noun) – /rɪˈsɔːs dɪˈpliːʃn/ – The consumption of a resource faster than it can be replenished.
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Climate change (noun) – /ˈklaɪmət tʃeɪndʒ/ – Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
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Renewable energy (noun) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.
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Environmental consciousness (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈkɒnʃəsnəs/ – Awareness and concern about environmental issues and the impact of human activities on the environment.
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Curriculum (noun) – /kəˈrɪkjələm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
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Critical thinking (noun) – /ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The objective analysis and evaluation of an issue to form a judgment.
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Global challenges (noun phrase) – /ˈɡləʊbl ˈtʃælɪndʒɪz/ – Significant issues affecting the world as a whole, such as climate change or poverty.
Conclusion
The topic of promoting sustainable development through education is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of technology in promoting sustainable education
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in developing countries
- The importance of individual actions in achieving sustainable development goals
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on the topic discussed in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
