Climate change and environmental sustainability have become increasingly important topics in recent years, and they frequently appear in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. The subject of reducing business carbon footprints is particularly relevant, as it combines environmental concerns with corporate responsibility. This topic has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular theme in future tests.
Let’s examine a sample question that reflects this trend:
Some people believe that businesses should be required by law to reduce their carbon footprints. Others argue that voluntary measures are more effective. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on how to encourage businesses to reduce their carbon footprints:
- Mandatory legal requirements
- Voluntary measures
You need to:
- Explain both perspectives
- Provide arguments for each view
- Give your own opinion on which approach you think is more effective
Remember to support your points with reasons and examples.
Sample Essay (Band 8-9)
Environmental concerns have led to increased pressure on businesses to reduce their carbon footprints. While some advocate for legal mandates, others believe voluntary measures are more effective. This essay will discuss both viewpoints before presenting my own opinion.
Those in favor of legal requirements argue that without strict regulations, many businesses will prioritize profits over environmental responsibility. They contend that laws can create a level playing field, ensuring all companies make necessary changes rather than allowing some to gain an unfair advantage by ignoring environmental concerns. For example, the European Union’s Emissions Trading System has successfully reduced industrial emissions by setting legally binding targets for carbon-intensive industries.
On the other hand, proponents of voluntary measures argue that businesses are more likely to embrace and innovate when given the freedom to choose their approach. They believe that market forces and consumer pressure can drive change more effectively than government intervention. For instance, many companies have voluntarily adopted sustainable practices to improve their brand image and attract environmentally conscious consumers, as seen with Patagonia’s commitment to using recycled materials and reducing waste.
In my opinion, a combination of both approaches is likely to be most effective. While legal requirements can establish minimum standards and ensure widespread compliance, voluntary measures can encourage businesses to go beyond these baselines. This hybrid approach allows for the creation of a regulatory framework that sets clear expectations while still providing incentives for companies to innovate and exceed minimum requirements.
In conclusion, reducing business carbon footprints is crucial for addressing climate change. By combining mandatory regulations with opportunities for voluntary action, we can create a system that ensures broad participation while fostering innovation and leadership in sustainability.
(Word count: 275)
Sample Essay (Band 6-7)
Many people think businesses should be forced by law to lower their carbon footprints, while others believe voluntary actions work better. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Those who support legal requirements say that many businesses won’t care about the environment unless they have to. They think laws can make sure all companies do their part to fight climate change. For example, if there’s a law that says factories must use clean energy, then all factories will have to do it, not just the ones that want to.
On the other hand, people who prefer voluntary measures think businesses will do more if they choose to do it themselves. They believe that companies will find better ways to be green if they’re not forced. For instance, some companies have started using electric cars for deliveries because they want to look good to customers who care about the environment.
In my opinion, I think both ways can be useful. Laws can make sure everyone does at least the minimum to help the environment. But voluntary actions can encourage businesses to do even more. Maybe we could have some basic laws that everyone must follow, but also give rewards to companies that do extra things to reduce their carbon footprints.
To conclude, reducing business carbon footprints is important for the environment. Using both laws and voluntary measures might be the best way to get businesses to be more environmentally friendly.
(Word count: 249)
Key Points to Remember When Writing
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Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, 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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Language: The band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler language. Both are correct, but the higher band demonstrates greater linguistic flexibility.
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Arguments: The band 8-9 essay provides more specific examples and detailed explanations. The band 6-7 essay makes valid points but with less depth and fewer concrete examples.
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Opinion: Both essays clearly state the writer’s opinion, but the band 8-9 essay presents a more balanced and thoughtful perspective, suggesting a combination of approaches.
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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.
Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some useful vocabulary items related to this topic:
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Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time without harming the environment.
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Emissions (noun) /ɪˈmɪʃənz/: The production and discharge of something, especially gas or radiation.
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Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/: Something that motivates or encourages someone to do something.
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Compliance (noun) /kəmˈplaɪəns/: The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
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Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəvətɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
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Mandate (noun) /ˈmændeɪt/: An official order or commission to do something.
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Regulatory (adjective) /ˈreɡjələtɔːri/: Serving or intended to regulate something.
Conclusion
The topic of reducing business carbon footprints is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Other potential questions might focus on specific strategies for carbon reduction, the role of government incentives, or the balance between economic growth and environmental protection. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as renewable energy adoption, sustainable business practices, or corporate social responsibility.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to address all parts of the question, provide relevant examples, and express your ideas clearly and coherently. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam.