Sustainable living and education are two interconnected topics that frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the increasing global focus on environmental issues, it’s highly likely that questions related to “promoting sustainable living through education” will continue to be prevalent in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore this topic with a detailed analysis and sample essays for different band scores.
Sustainable Education Concept
Analyzing the IELTS Task 2 Question
Let’s consider the following question, which is representative of the type you might encounter in the IELTS Writing Task 2:
Some people believe that schools and universities should focus on teaching students how to live sustainably and protect the environment. Others think that this is not the role of educational institutions. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question touches on a crucial debate in modern education: the role of educational institutions in promoting sustainable living. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that schools and universities should teach sustainable living
- Discuss the opposing view that this is not the role of educational institutions
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores, followed by an analysis of each.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Environmental sustainability has become a pressing global concern, and there is ongoing debate about whether educational institutions should take an active role in teaching students about sustainable living. While some argue that this responsibility falls outside the traditional scope of education, I firmly believe that schools and universities are ideally positioned to instill these crucial values and practices in future generations.
Proponents of including sustainability education in school curricula argue that educational institutions have a responsibility to prepare students for the challenges they will face in the real world. Climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation are undeniably significant issues that today’s students will need to address as adults. By integrating lessons on sustainable living into various subjects, schools can equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make environmentally conscious decisions in their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, schools have the unique advantage of reaching a large, diverse audience at a formative age, potentially creating a widespread, long-lasting impact on society’s approach to sustainability.
On the other hand, those who oppose this view contend that the primary role of educational institutions is to focus on core academic subjects and career preparation. They argue that adding sustainability to an already packed curriculum could detract from essential skills like literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. Additionally, some believe that environmental education should be the responsibility of families or specialized organizations rather than schools.
In my opinion, the integration of sustainability education into school curricula is not only beneficial but necessary in our current global context. The challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation are so significant that they require a coordinated, society-wide response. Educational institutions are uniquely positioned to foster this response by creating environmentally aware and responsible citizens from a young age. Moreover, teaching sustainability does not have to come at the expense of core subjects; rather, it can be seamlessly integrated into existing curricula, enhancing students’ understanding of how academic knowledge applies to real-world problems.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments on both sides, I strongly believe that schools and universities should play a central role in teaching students about sustainable living. By doing so, they not only prepare students for the challenges of the future but also contribute to the creation of a more environmentally conscious and responsible society.
(Word count: 378)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that restates the writer’s opinion.
Coherent arguments: Each paragraph develops a clear central idea and supports it with relevant examples and explanations.
Advanced vocabulary: The essay uses a range of sophisticated vocabulary accurately, such as “pressing global concern“, “instill these crucial values“, and “formative age“.
Complex sentence structures: The writer employs a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses, which adds to the sophistication of the writing.
Clear position: The writer’s opinion is clearly stated and consistently supported throughout the essay.
Addressing the task: All parts of the question are fully addressed, with a balanced discussion of both views and a clear personal opinion.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
There is a debate about whether schools and universities should teach students about living sustainably and protecting the environment. Some people think this is important, while others believe it’s not the job of educational institutions. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support teaching sustainability in schools argue that it’s important for the future. They say that environmental problems are getting worse, and young people need to know how to live in a way that doesn’t harm the planet. Schools can teach students about things like recycling, saving energy, and using less plastic. This knowledge can help students make better choices in their lives and maybe even find solutions to environmental problems in the future.
On the other hand, some people think schools should focus on traditional subjects like math, science, and languages. They believe that there isn’t enough time in the school day to teach everything, and environmental education should be done at home or by other organizations. They also worry that teaching about environmental issues might be too political for schools.
In my opinion, I think schools and universities should teach students about sustainable living. Environmental problems affect everyone, and education is a powerful tool to create change. Schools can include environmental topics in existing subjects, like studying climate change in science classes or discussing sustainable development in geography. This way, students can learn about the environment while also learning other important skills.
To conclude, while there are different views on this topic, I believe that teaching sustainable living in schools is necessary. It can help create a generation of people who understand environmental issues and know how to live in a way that protects the planet for the future.
(Word count: 295)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates several features that place it in the Band 6-7 range:
Address the task: The essay covers all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion.
Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with separate paragraphs for each view and the writer’s opinion. However, the transitions between ideas could be smoother.
Vocabulary: The essay uses some topic-specific vocabulary like “sustainable living“, “recycling“, and “climate change“. However, the range is more limited compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Grammar: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there’s less variety in sentence structures compared to higher band essays.
Development of ideas: While the main ideas are present, they could be developed more fully with more specific examples or explanations.
Conclusion: The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion.
Key Vocabulary for Writing About Sustainable Living and Education
To enhance your essays on this topic, consider using the following vocabulary:
Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain something at a certain rate or level.
Environmental stewardship (noun phrase) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˈstjuːədʃɪp/: The responsible use and protection of the natural environment.
Eco-literacy (noun) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈlɪtərəsi/: The ability to understand the natural systems that make life on earth possible.
Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of one’s activities.
Renewable resources (noun phrase) /rɪˈnjuːəbl rɪˈsɔːsɪz/: Natural resources that can be replenished naturally with the passage of time.
Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/: The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Ecological awareness (noun phrase) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl əˈweənəs/: Understanding of the interconnectedness of living things and their environments.
Sustainable development (noun phrase) /səˌsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
By incorporating these terms into your essays, you can demonstrate a strong grasp of the topic and enhance the sophistication of your writing.
Conclusion
Writing about promoting sustainable living through education is a valuable skill for IELTS Task 2. As environmental issues continue to gain prominence globally, it’s likely that similar topics will appear in future exams. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of individuals versus governments in addressing environmental issues
- The impact of technology on sustainable living
- The balance between economic growth and environmental protection
- The effectiveness of environmental education in changing behavior
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is not just about knowledge, but also about how you structure your arguments, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate your language skills. Practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
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